FAA probes Delta flight incident with cabin pressure issues

A Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City experienced a significant cabin pressurization issue on September 15, 2023, while en route to Portland, Oregon. Passengers reported alarming symptoms, including bleeding from the nose and ears, prompting the pilots to make an emergency return to Salt Lake City. Medical personnel were on standby at the gate to assist the 10 passengers who required treatment after landing. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-900ER, was unable to maintain cabin pressure above 10,000 feet, which is critical for passenger safety. Despite the severity of the situation, oxygen masks were not deployed during the flight, which carried a total of 140 passengers. Delta Airlines expressed regret over the incident, stating that the flight crew adhered to established protocols for such emergencies. The airline also offered to cover transportation costs for affected passengers to medical facilities. Following the incident, Delta technicians promptly addressed the aircraft's pressurization issue, allowing the plane to return to service the next day. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since launched an investigation into the incident to determine the underlying causes and ensure compliance with safety regulations. This event highlights the importance of cabin pressurization in commercial aviation and the potential risks associated with failures in this system. The swift response from the flight crew and ground personnel likely mitigated further injuries, but the incident raises questions about the safety measures in place for passengers during such emergencies.