Airbus faces fresh legal action after a flight attendant claimed long-term illness following exposure to cabin fumes on an Airbus A319 during boarding. The lawsuit was filed on Jan. 27, 2026, in the New York District Court, U.S.
What the new lawsuit says
Tamar Ferrel, an American Airlines flight attendant based in Phoenix, filed the lawsuit over an incident that reportedly occurred on Jan. 24, 2024, while passengers boarded an Airbus A319 at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX).
Ferrel stated that she stood midway in the cabin assisting passengers when the aircraft captain activated the auxiliary power unit, commonly known as the APU.
The APU is a small engine located in the aircraft’s tail that provides power while on the ground and assists in starting the main engines.
Within moments, a strong odour resembling dirty socks reportedly spread through the cabin. Ferrel moved towards the rear, where another crew member was reportedly coughing and gagging due to the fumes.
The captain then ordered an evacuation of the passengers.
During the evacuation, Ferrel recounted experiencing coughing, confusion and intense headaches. Although passengers left the aircraft, the crew remained onboard for nearly an hour before being transported to nearby urgent care facilities for evaluation.
Despite symptoms, Ferrel was initially cleared to work and returned to flying after only one day off. During a subsequent flight to Mexico, she reportedly became acutely ill, began shaking and required onboard oxygen support.
Her condition worsened in the following weeks, forcing her to take an extended leave despite having no alternative income source.
She later sought treatment from neurologist Dr. Robert Kaniecki, who compared the symptoms to the effects of a concussion, but caused by chemical exposure rather than physical trauma.
Ferrel claims she now suffers daily headaches and panic attacks linked to post-traumatic stress, preventing her return to flying duties.
The lawsuit alleges Airbus was aware of contamination risks within its aircraft systems yet failed to act, seeking compensatory and punitive damages and accusing the manufacturer of reckless disregard for passenger and crew safety.
How is cabin air supplied on most aircraft?
Most commercial aircraft use what is known as a bleed air system to supply cabin air. The system draws compressed air from aircraft engines, cools it through air conditioning units and circulates it inside the cabin.
Campaigners argue that if engine oil or lubricants leak into the airflow, they may vaporise and contaminate cabin air, leading to what are commonly known as fume events. Some experts believe the risk increases when the APU operates near areas susceptible to oil leakage.
Airbus and airlines maintain that such incidents are rare and that the aircraft systems comply with safety regulations. However, lawsuits continue to challenge whether long-term health risks are adequately addressed.
In May 2023, United Airlines flight attendant Darlene Fricchione also sued Airbus after an A319 incident at Denver International Airport, where activation of the APU reportedly filled the cabin with chemical fumes.
A pulmonologist treating Fricchione reportedly described her airway injuries as severe irritation similar to the results of chlorine exposure.
Boeing has also faced legal action, as a Delta Airlines passenger, Temple University law professor Jonathan Harris, sued the manufacturer after claiming long-term brain and respiratory injuries following exposure to contaminated cabin air on a Boeing 373 flight.
The aviation industry has generally maintained that most passengers and crew recover quickly after fume events and that lasting harm is uncommon.
Advocacy groups contest this, arguing that a small portion of those develop chronic neurological and respiratory conditions.
Tamar Ferrel’s lawsuit could influence future aircraft design decisions, regulatory oversight and airline procedures related to cabin air quality and crew safety.
Have you ever witnessed an incident involving cabin fumes? What’s your take on this lawsuit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
