Delta flight plunges 27,000 feet after pressurization issue, oxygen masks deploy

LAS VEGAS (TNND) — A Delta Air Lines flight made an emergency landing in Las Vegas on Sunday following an “unexpected pressurization issue” after departing Los Angeles, a Delta spokesperson said.

Announcement

On Sept. 6, Delta Flight 2311 was about halfway from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City when it descended from 36,200 feet to 9,000 feet in about 10 minutes, according to an air traffic control recording obtained by ATC.com.

The pilot can be heard saying, “Delta 2311 currently rapid descent. We’d like to get down to 9,000 and we’re direct Las Vegas.”

An air traffic controller then asked whether the oxygen masks had deployed. The pilot replied, “Affirmative.”

“As safety comes before everything else at Delta, the flight crew of Delta Flight 2311 followed their training and procedures to safely bring the aircraft to optimal altitude when an unexpected pressurization issue occurred,” the airline said in a statement.

The Boeing 737-900 was carrying 174 passengers and six crew members when it was diverted.

Delta said passengers deplaned normally in Las Vegas and were rebooked on another aircraft to continue their journey.

“Delta sincerely apologizes to our customers for their experience and thanks our flight crews and other support teams on the ground for their professionalism,” the airline said.