Quantcast

Delta settles $79 million lawsuit over 2020 Los Angeles jet fuel dump

European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Delta settles $79 million lawsuit over 2020 Los Angeles jet fuel dump
Policy
Webp ed
Ed Bastian, Chief Executive Officer | Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines has agreed to pay nearly $79 million to settle a class action lawsuit related to a 2020 incident in which one of its flights dumped jet fuel over residential and business areas in Los Angeles. The incident occurred after Delta Flight 89, operated by a Boeing 777-200, experienced engine thrust loss shortly after takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) en route to Shanghai, China.

Following the engine issue, the pilots decided to jettison approximately 15,000 pounds of jet fuel so the aircraft would not exceed its maximum landing weight upon return. The fuel dump affected densely populated neighborhoods in Cudahy, California, including Park Avenue Elementary School where teachers and students were exposed to jet fuel on their skin and clothes. Residents reported minor skin and lung irritations.

Delta settled the lawsuit without admitting liability. According to the airline, "Delta followed protocol for the dump," but plaintiffs argued that the pilots could have chosen a different location or method for releasing fuel. Attorney Filippo Marchino, representing those affected, said that his clients contended "the jettison was not required" and that "the aircraft would have been capable to land without incident."

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The settlement awaits judicial approval and will net about $50 million for homeowners and residents of roughly 38,000 homes after legal fees are deducted. Each home is expected to receive around $1,300. As part of the agreement, Delta will collaborate with homeowners on testing for any lingering residue or health risks resulting from the fuel dump and provide certificates confirming property safety. Marchino emphasized this outcome by stating it "restores value in their biggest asset."

The Federal Aviation Administration investigated the incident and cleared Delta's pilots of wrongdoing. The agency requires pilots who intend to dump fuel to notify air traffic control about details such as location and altitude so that dumps typically occur over less populated areas or offshore at higher altitudes—measures designed to minimize ground exposure.

In this case, reports indicated that Delta’s flight crew released fuel at an altitude under 3,000 feet over heavily populated neighborhoods rather than offshore or at higher altitudes as is standard practice.

Delta has since retired all Boeing 777 aircraft from its fleet; flights between Los Angeles and Shanghai now use Airbus A350s. The specific aircraft involved was delivered new to Delta in March 1999 and left its fleet in June 2023.

Delta remains one of America’s largest airlines with extensive operations out of LAX including new international services planned for Hong Kong and Melbourne as well as ongoing flights across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Central America, and Australia.

A final approval hearing for the settlement is pending before a judge.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Emirates Airlines has highlighted the evolution of its cabin crew uniform, emphasizing its commitment to timeless design and practicality.

Oct 23, 2025

Emirates has achieved the Gold Tier status in the 2024 Fly Quiet Programme at New York’s JFK Airport, making it the only airline to receive this distinction among all participating carriers.

Oct 23, 2025

Flying Food Group, Inc. has announced the recipients of its 2025 scholarships, with all five applicants receiving awards this year.

Oct 23, 2025

Dnata, a global provider of air and travel services, has entered into a joint venture with Azerbaijan’s Silk Way Group to launch ground handling and cargo operations at Alat International Airport, located in the Alat Free Economic Zone in Baku.

Oct 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced the release of version 7.5 of its mobile app, introducing new features aimed at making travel planning and management easier for customers during the holiday season.

Oct 22, 2025

The Fair Work Commission has ruled that a former employee of dnata Airport Services was unfairly dismissed and awarded $36,468.39 in compensation.

Oct 22, 2025