Alaska Airlines plane Boeing 737-900 landed by an emergency at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport due to an odor on board. Flight 51 left Chicago O’Hare for Seattle with 144 people on board, but shortly after take off the crew noticed an odor in the cabin. The pilot followed the safety procedures and diverted to aircraft to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, where landed an hour and a half after departure.
After landing, 12 people complained from breathing issues. All six crewmembers were evaluated and four of them were then taken to the hospital for further evaluation. Two passengers were also checked out at the airport.
“Alaska Airlines Flight 51 departed Chicago O’Hare for Seattle at 5:48 p.m. local time. During the flight, the crew reported a cabin odor. As a precaution, the aircraft diverted to Minneapolis-St Paul International landing at 7:17 p.m. local time”, says the statement of Alaska Airlines. “Six crew members received a medical evaluation at the airport and four were transported to the hospital for further evaluation. Two passengers were also evaluated at the airport. The cause of the odor is being investigated and the plane has been removed from service pending an inspection”, adds the statement.
The cause of the odor is under investigation. The plane has been taken out of service for the time being.
Passengers will be rebooked on another flight.