Delta Air Lines Settles $79 Million Class-Action Lawsuit Over Fuel Dump Incident
Delta Air Lines has reached a $79 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit stemming from an incident in 2020 when one of its planes had to dump fuel over schoolyards and neighborhoods near Los Angeles. The Boeing 777-200 jet was en route to Shanghai but had to return to Los Angeles International Airport due to engine trouble, resulting in the fuel dump to reach a safe landing weight. Los Angeles County firefighters responded to schools in Cudahy, where individuals experienced minor skin and lung irritations but did not require hospitalization.
Following the incident, teachers from Park Avenue Elementary School in Cudahy filed a lawsuit against Delta, claiming exposure to jet fuel that caused physical and emotional distress. Subsequently, Cudahy homeowners also filed a class-action suit. Delta explained in court documents that the plane's engine lost thrust after takeoff, leading to the decision to dump fuel to reduce risks associated with landing an overweight aircraft on one engine.
The settlement agreement, reached without admission of liability by Delta, aims to avoid the legal expenses of a trial and eliminate the distractions caused by the litigation. The airline emphasized the need to address the burdens the lawsuit had placed on its business. Delta did not provide immediate comments on the settlement.
In conclusion, Delta Air Lines has agreed to pay $79 million to settle a class-action lawsuit related to the fuel dump incident near Los Angeles. The settlement was reached to avoid the costs and distractions of a trial and to address the burdens the litigation had on Delta's business.