FAA Probes Delta Flight After Passengers Suffer Bloody Noses, Ears from Pressure Issue

Utah: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a Delta Air Lines flight that experienced cabin pressure issues, leading to passengers suffering from bleeding eardrums, bloody noses, and headaches. The incident occurred on a Sunday flight from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Portland, Oregon, involving a five-year-old Boeing 737-900ER aircraft.

According to the flight log, the pilots detected a pressurisation problem and made an emergency landing back in Salt Lake City. Delta Air Lines apologised for the incident, with a spokesperson explaining that Flight 1203 was unable to pressurise above 10,000 feet. 

“We sincerely apologize to our customers for their experience on flight 1203 on Sept. 15,” Delta said in a statement. "The flight crew followed procedures to return to SLC, where our teams on the ground supported our customers with their immediate needs," the spokesperson said.

Passengers described the harrowing experience to news outlets. Jaci Purser told CNN, “It sounded like my ear was bubbling… I touched my ear, and there was blood coming out.” Another passenger, Caryn Allen, told NBC News that she saw a man with a severe bloody nose and others in pain, including her husband, who covered his ears to relieve pressure.

The Boeing 737 had 140 people on board. Paramedics met the plane upon landing, treating or evaluating 10 passengers. No serious injuries were reported, and Delta accommodated the passengers on another flight. The airline also covered transportation costs for those needing further medical evaluation.

The aircraft was taken out of service but returned the following day after technicians resolved the pressurization issue. The FAA has stated that it will investigate the incident, although the exact cause of the problem has not yet been disclosed.

While the 737-900ER involved is not part of Boeing’s MAX fleet, it shares the same door plug design, which led to a January 2024 recommendation from the FAA for more thorough inspections.