A transatlantic flight bound for Boston was forced to make an abrupt u-turn over the Atlantic Ocean today.
PORTO, Portugal — Delta Air Lines flight DL251, operated by an 11-year-old Airbus A330-300 (registration N824NW), departed Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport shortly after 3:00 PM local time. After taking off, the aircraft climbed to an initial altitude of 33,000 feet over mainland Spain before settling into its oceanic cruise at 32,000 feet.
Roughly two hours into the flight, while tracking west over the Atlantic Ocean, the flight crew was forced to abort the crossing due to an unfolding medical situation in the cabin. The crew transmitted a “Squawk 7700” code (the international radio signal declaring a general emergency) and requested an immediate diversion to the nearest suitable airport due to smoke in the cabin.
Air traffic controllers vectored the wide-body jet toward Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, Portugal. A little over three hours after leaving Barcelona, the aircraft landed safely on Porto’s Runway 35.
Following the unexpected diversion, Delta Air Lines rescheduled the continuation of the flight to Boston for tomorrow at 1:00 PM local time.
The disruption has caused cascading schedule changes for the carrier. As a result of the aircraft and crew being out of position, Delta confirmed that connected flights DL276 and DL277 have been canceled. Affected passengers are being rebooked on alternative routes or provided accommodations while awaiting the rescheduled departure.
UPDATE
Four people have been rushed to hospital after the emergency landing. Portuguese press reported 12 of those on board the Airbus A330 had to be given oxygen mid-air.
