Passengers aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Portland, Oregon, on September 15, experienced bleeding from their ears and noses due to a pressurization issue mid-flight. Flight 1203 was forced to return to Salt Lake City, where the affected passengers were provided immediate assistance.
In a statement, Delta apologized to passengers and confirmed that the crew had followed all necessary procedures to manage the situation. “We sincerely apologize to our customers for their experience on flight 1203,” a Delta spokesperson told CNN. The passengers were later accommodated on another aircraft.
One passenger, Jaci Purser, recounted her painful experience, describing the sensation as if “somebody was stabbing her in the ear” and noticing blood coming from her ear. Purser said others on the flight also experienced similar symptoms, including bloody ears and noses.
Another passenger, Caryn Allen, described seeing her husband in discomfort and noticing another man with a severe nosebleed on the flight.
Although no severe injuries were reported, ten passengers required medical evaluation or treatment. Delta’s maintenance team resolved the aircraft’s pressurization issue, and it was returned to service the next day. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident.