Passengers aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Amsterdam to Detroit on Tuesday were met with an unexpected and unpleasant surprise when maggots reportedly started falling from the overhead bin. The incident, which left many passengers alarmed and disgusted, prompted the flight to return to Amsterdam for thorough cleaning and rebooking of passengers onto another flight.
One passenger, with the Twitter handle @kelce__, shared her experience on social media, saying, 'Really lovely to be 2 hours into an 8-hour @Delta to Amsterdam and find out there is rotten fish and maggots hitching a ride with us.' Her post drew attention from other users who questioned how such a situation could occur without detection by airport security.
Delta responded to the incident, confirming that Flight DL 133 had indeed returned to Amsterdam and emphasizing their commitment to passenger safety and comfort. In a statement released to PEOPLE, Delta apologized to the affected customers and explained that an improperly packed carry-on bag had caused the issue. The airline promptly removed the plane from service to conduct a thorough cleaning, ensuring the safety and well-being of future passengers.
Flight tracking data revealed that the aircraft turned around over the U.K. after departing Amsterdam at 10:29 AM and traveling approximately 450 miles. The unexpected turnaround disrupted the travel plans of the passengers onboard. However, Delta efficiently rebooked them onto the next available flight to Detroit, using a different aircraft that had undergone appropriate cleaning procedures.
As for the fateful carry-on bag that contained the disturbing contents, there are conflicting reports regarding its disposal. While some sources, such as AIRLIVE, suggest that the bag was burned after landing in Amsterdam, Delta has not confirmed this information. Additionally, Schiphol Airport, through which the flight traveled, did not respond to inquiries from PEOPLE about the incident.
Incidents like this serve as a reminder of the importance of proper packing and security measures in air travel. While airport security aims to detect prohibited items and ensure passenger safety, it is the responsibility of travelers to pack their belongings appropriately, ensuring that nothing poses a threat to the comfort and well-being of others.
Delta has apologized once again to the affected passengers for the interruption to their travel and reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. Such incidents are rare but nonetheless unpleasant for those involved. Delta, like other airlines, works diligently to address such issues promptly and efficiently to limit any disruptions and provide a positive travel experience for all passengers.
