Craziest air travel stories of 2024
In 2024, many people embarked on journeys far and wide, creating lasting memories during their travels on the thousands of flights that crisscrossed the globe each day. As the year comes to a close, let’s take a look back at some of the most shocking airline stories that made headlines.
One incident that made waves occurred on January 5th when a faulty plug door panel on an Alaska Airlines flight blew off at 16,000 feet. The aircraft was departing from Portland, Oregon, and the sudden depressurization of the cabin forced the pilots to safely return to Portland. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported, but the incident sparked a lawsuit against the airline and raised concerns about the safety of Boeing planes.
In August, a tragic incident unfolded when a plane operated by Brazilian airline Voepass crashed in Sao Paulo state, claiming the lives of all passengers and crew on board. The fiery crash occurred in a residential area, with footage capturing the aircraft spiraling downward before plummeting to the ground. Aviation experts speculated that the ATR 72-500 twin-engine turboprop may have stalled midair, leading to the devastating crash.
In December, passengers on an American Airlines flight from Dallas to Minneapolis were surprised by a lavatory water leak that reached the cabin aisle. Despite attempts to contain the leak, the water continued to flow, causing discomfort and inconvenience for passengers during the nearly three-hour flight.
Another shocking incident occurred when a United Airlines passenger filmed a Boeing 757’s wing “coming apart” shortly after takeoff from San Francisco to Boston. The flight was diverted to Denver for an emergency landing, where it was revealed that there was damage to the wing’s slat. Passengers were transferred to a different plane and eventually arrived safely in Boston.
Early in the year, an unruly passenger on an American Airlines flight from Dallas/Fort Worth to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport allegedly punched a flight attendant, prompting the plane to divert to Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport. The passenger, Keith Edward Fagiana, became enraged after a confrontation with another passenger and began assaulting the flight attendant.
These harrowing airline stories of 2024 serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of air travel and the importance of safety measures in place. As we look ahead to the new year, let us hope for smoother skies and safer journeys for all travelers.
