A harrowing incident unfolded on September 15 when Delta Air Lines Flight 1203 had to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff. The incident was due to a cabin pressurization issue that left passengers with bleeding noses and ears. The Boeing 737-900, carrying 140 passengers, departed Salt Lake City International Airport bound for Portland International Airport in Oregon.
Minutes into the flight, as the aircraft climbed past 10,000 feet, passengers began experiencing severe discomfort. One affected traveler, Jaci Purser, described the ordeal to CNN. She said, “I heard some air come out and then it started bubbling. It sounded like my ear was bubbling, my right ear, and I touched my ear, and there was blood coming out.”
“Our ears just started hurting really, really bad. Everybody around us was grabbing their ears. People’s ears started bleeding. People’s noses started bleeding,” Purser added, noting other passengers’ experiences as well.
What Was Delta Air Lines’ Response?
The flight crew quickly recognized the gravity of the situation and decided to turn back. The jet arrived safely at Salt Lake City International Airport around 8:30 a.m., where it was met by emergency responders from the Salt Lake City Fire Department. Upon landing, at least 10 passengers required immediate medical attention for symptoms ranging from nosebleeds to ear pain.
Remarkably, despite the alarming nature of the incident, no serious injuries were reported and no one required hospitalization. According to USA Today, a Delta Air Lines spokesperson issued a statement in response to the incident.
“We sincerely apologize to our customers for their experience on flight 1203 on September 15,” said the carrier. “The flight crew followed procedures to return to SLC (Salt Lake City International Airport), where our teams on the ground supported our customers with their immediate needs.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on the reported pressurization issue. Cabin pressurization is crucial for passenger comfort and safety during flights, as it maintains a breathable atmosphere and prevents rapid changes in air pressure that can cause physical distress.
Why Did The Pressurization Cause The Passenger Bleeding?
Dr. Richard Lebowitz, an ear, nose, and throat specialist at NYU Langone Medical Center, provided insight into the possible causes of the passenger’s bleeding. The medical specialist explained to Thrillist in September 2024 that nosebleeds on airplanes can occur due to the cabin’s dry air. Another possibility the doctor noted — similar to what may have happened on the Delta flight — is a rise in blood pressure triggered by a spike in stress or anxiety.
Regarding ear bleeding, Dr. Lebowitz shared that it can be the result of a high amount of negative pressure, which can happen during a plane’s descent. However, although it sounds terrifying, the ear bleeding likely won’t cause any long-term damage to your hearing.
“If there’s enough negative pressure, the eardrum can rupture,” Dr. Lebowitz detailed. “It’s not like blood’s going to be pouring out of someone’s ear, but if you were to look in their ear, or if someone put their finger at the ear canal or just looked at the edge of the canal, there could be some blood for sure. If that happens, that means the eardrum ruptured, and that can happen on an airplane.”
