NEWS: Nearly 300 Delta Passengers Made Emergency Landing on an Island Due to an Engine Issue

When you travel by air, we’re sure you know what to expect when it comes to things like delays and even cancelations. We’ve all been there, after all.

However, according to NBC News, a Delta Flight recently had an unscheduled stop on an island in the Atlantic Ocean, where passengers ended up spending the night. No, this isn’t the plot of Lost, but something that really happened.

On Sunday, July 6th, a Delta flight left Madrid, Spain, bound for New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport. However, during that flight, pilots discovered an “indication of a mechanical issue with an engine.” The flight was then diverted to Lajes, Azores, a tiny island in the Atlantic Ocean about 1,000 miles off the coast of Portugal.

The plane, an Airbus A330, had a total of 282 passengers and 13 crew members on the plane. Both passengers and crew were deplaned via stairs at the airport on the island and then spent the night in area hotels. Meals were also provided.

The passengers and crew were eventually taken off the island on a new plane the following day. That aircraft arrived safely in New York about 31.5 hours after the first flight was originally supposed to land.

If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, the best thing you can do is listen to the flight crew, who will give you instructions on how to proceed. Also, review your airline’s policies about long delays, specifically when it comes to accommodations and food.

Check back with AllEars again soon for more.