Plane makes emergency landing due to fumes on board

DELTA AIRLINES BOEING 757-251 N544US (MSN 26491)

Almost 300 people were evacuated from a transatlantic jet after it made an emergency landing at Shannon Airport (SNN/EINN) after strong fumes were reported on board.

Delta Air Lines flight 113, on route from Rome (FCO/LIRF) to Boston (BOS/KBOS), was some 230kms off the south coast of Ireland when the flight crew contacted air traffic controllers at Shannon to declare a pan-pan -pan emergency around 11.20am. The Airbus A330-900m with 294 souls on board, then decided to divert to Shannon, where the airport’s fire and rescue service was put on standby.

The National Ambulance Service, Clare County Fire and Rescue Service and gardaí were also notified and mobilised to the airfield. As the flight was on route to land at Shannon, the flight crew advised air traffic controllers that had at least one person on board who was complaining of feeling unwell from the effects of the fumes.

Several ambulances were dispatched to the airport along with fire crews from Shannon and Ennis stations. The flight landed safely on runway 06 without incident at 11.49am where it was met by the various emergency services and inspected.

The aircraft was then cleared to taxi to the terminal where paramedics were standing by to assess any passengers that may require assistance.

The flight crew advised controllers that they wished to evacuate everyone from the aircraft as soon as possible to ensure no one else was affected by the fumes.

The passengers were then cleared to leave the aircraft via mobile stairs placed at the front and rear of the aircraft, where with the help of fire service personnel and paramedics, they were escorted to the terminal. Paramedics also assessed anyone on board who complained of feeling unwell. No-one required hospital treatment.

It is understood that engineers have traced the source of the fumes to a galley area on the aircraft, and they are expected to investigate the matter further before a decision is made on whether the aircraft can continue its journey.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Delta Airlines

Code: DL/DAL

Flight Number: DL113

Aircraft: Airbus A330-941

Registration: N413DX

Serial Number: 1995

Engines: 2 x RR Trent 7000-72

First Flew: 13th June 2022

Age: 1.6 Year