Delta Nightmare: Passengers Stranded and Mistreated After Emergency Landing in Portugal
Passengers on a Delta flight from Ghana to New York faced a nightmare when their plane made an emergency landing in Portugal. They were stranded for 12 hours, mistreated, and left without communication or assistance. Delta Airlines issued an apology and promised reimbursements, but some passengers are still waiting for their full refund. This incident emphasizes the need for better care and support from airlines in emergency situations.
Passengers on a Delta flight from Ghana to New York experienced a nightmare when their plane was forced to make an emergency landing on Terceira Island in Portugal. The flight was diverted due to a mechanical issue with the aircraft's oxygen system. The passengers were left stranded for approximately 12 hours, facing a series of hardships and mistreatment. Upon landing, passengers were taken to a designated section of the airport as they did not possess the necessary visas to enter Portugal. They were left without any communication from Delta representatives, with only airport personnel providing limited assistance.
The flight crew, on the other hand, was taken to a hotel, further exacerbating the sense of abandonment among passengers. Nana Asante-Smith, one of the affected passengers, expressed her frustration and disappointment in a Facebook post. She criticized Delta for their lack of care and consideration, describing how passengers were left without food and were even forced to drink water from bathroom faucets. In a shocking incident, a staff member at the airport told passengers "not to launch a revolution" and later stated that they should be grateful that the plane didn't crash in the sea.
Passengers also reported that they were not informed about the status of their luggage, which was sent on their initial aircraft to JFK. This left them physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted as they arrived in New York empty-handed. Delta Airlines did issue an apology to the passengers and promised reimbursements for their expenses. However, as of now, some passengers have yet to receive their full refund. The airline blamed the delay in returning baggage on the short landing period in Terceira.
Ghanaian rapper Sakordie, who was also on the flight, expressed his disappointment at missing a scheduled performance in Detroit due to the diversion. He criticized Delta for their poor communication and the use of older, less safe aircraft on routes from Africa. Overall, the experience of these passengers highlights the need for improved communication, care, and support from airlines in emergency situations. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing passenger well-being and treating them with dignity and respect. Delta Airlines must take responsibility for their shortcomings and work towards preventing such incidents in the future.