Reports indicate that five individuals, including passengers and crew, required hospitalization after an American Airlines flight was diverted due to a mysterious odor on board.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated, “American Airlines Flight 2118 landed safely at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston around 7:10 p.m. local time on Sunday, November 23, after the crew detected smoke in the flight deck and cabin.” The flight, an Airbus A321, had taken off from Orlando International Airport and was en route to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
According to FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth, four crew members and one passenger were rushed to the hospital for evaluation, as mentioned by the Houston Fire Department.
Interestingly, the exact nature of the smell remains unclear. While the plane was redirected to Texas, a flight attendant communicated, “We’re going to transport you out of the airport,” adding, “Aircraft alert. We may need four transport units.”
The remaining passengers were later moved to another aircraft for their journey to Phoenix.
In a statement, American Airlines noted, “On November 23, Flight 2118 landed safely and taxied to the gate in Houston after reports of an unusual odor on board. The flight then departed again on a replacement plane.” They also expressed gratitude for the crew’s professionalism and apologized for the inconvenience caused.
Interestingly, in October, a different American Airlines flight had to return shortly after takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport due to similar reports of an odor. In that case, the pilot reported smelling something that prompted the use of an oxygen mask.
As for this latest incident, the FAA has yet to provide additional comments.
