A Delta Air Lines Airbus A330 operating from Barcelona to Boston made an emergency landing in Porto, Portugal, on Sunday after smoke was detected inside the cabin. Flight DL251, carrying 296 people, was diverted to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), where it landed safely.
Airbus A330 Diverted to Porto
Flight DL251 departed Barcelona for Boston on Sept. 27. Flight-tracking data shows the aircraft left Barcelona at approximately 3:15 p.m. local time before turning back toward Portugal during its Atlantic crossing, landing in Porto at around 5:45 p.m. local time.
Delta said the aircraft was diverted following a reported mechanical issue; Portuguese emergency authorities, however, said the diversion was prompted by smoke in the cabin. The aircraft was carrying 283 customers and 13 crew members, according to Delta.
The airline said it was working to accommodate affected passengers on alternative flights. Portuguese authorities mobilized emergency crews at Porto airport ahead of the aircraft’s arrival. More than 60 firefighters and other emergency personnel were reportedly involved in the response, while airport operations were briefly suspended.
Passengers Treated for Smoke Inhalation
Several passengers required medical attention after the aircraft landed. Initial information provided to Reuters by Portugal’s emergency and civil protection authority said eight passengers were treated on the airport’s tarmac, while three were taken to hospital. Portuguese authorities later reported that 14 people received medical assistance, with four passengers taken to hospital for further evaluation. Their injuries were described as minor.
Reports from Rádio e Televisão de Portugal (RTP) said some passengers were treated for possible smoke inhalation. RTP also reported that there was no fire aboard the aircraft, although the precise source of the smoke had not been established.
Delta said, “We apologize to our customers for the delay in their travels as we work to get them to Boston as safely and quickly as possible.”
The cause of the smoke had not been determined as of Sept. 28. Delta has described the incident as involving a reported mechanical issue, while Portuguese authorities have identified smoke in the cabin as the reason for the emergency diversion. The aircraft landed without further incident, and passengers were evacuated and assessed by emergency personnel at Porto Airport. The incident remains under investigation.
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