Delta flight returns to Santiago after midair medical emergency affects passengers

Santiago, DR.- A Delta Air Lines flight traveling from Santiago to New York declared an emergency Wednesday afternoon after several passengers became ill during the flight, prompting the aircraft to return to the Dominican Republic as a precaution.

Delta Flight 1822, operated on an Airbus A321, departed from Cibao International Airport at 2:45 p.m. carrying 192 passengers bound for John F. Kennedy International Airport.

According to preliminary reports, multiple passengers began vomiting simultaneously after a strange odor was detected inside the aircraft. At approximately 5:15 p.m., the crew declared an emergency and decided to return to Santiago as a preventive measure.

Airport authorities immediately activated emergency response protocols, and the plane landed safely at 5:41 p.m. without major incident. Medical personnel assisted several passengers upon arrival, as the situation reportedly caused panic and anxiety among those on board.

The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Public Health said emergency and health teams responded immediately following the aircraft’s return. The operation was coordinated by the Emergency Operations Center and the Ministry of Health through the Vice Ministry of Risk Management, with support from the Santiago III Provincial Health Directorate, the National Health Service, the Directorate of Out-of-Hospital Emergency Care, and other agencies.

Health officials confirmed that 12 people experiencing respiratory symptoms were transported to hospitals for evaluation. Most passengers were treated for anxiety, panic attacks, and mild breathing difficulties before being discharged. Four individuals remain under medical observation in stable condition at different health centers.

Authorities emphasized that there is currently no evidence of a broader public health threat linked to the incident. Investigations and technical evaluations are ongoing to determine the cause of the odor and the medical symptoms reported onboard.

Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines has begun rebooking affected passengers on alternative flights to New York. The aircraft will remain in Santiago pending inspections by the airline’s maintenance team.