Delta to Pay $78.75M Over 2020 Jet Fuel Dump in LA
Delta Air Lines has agreed to pay $78.75 million to settle a class action lawsuit linked to a January 14, 2020, incident in which Delta Flight 89 released roughly 15,000 pounds of jet fuel over residential areas near Los Angeles.
The flight, a Boeing 777 bound for Shanghai from LAX, encountered engine problems shortly after departure. To reduce landing weight, the crew discharged fuel at a low altitude above densely populated neighborhoods surrounding the airport.
The fuel dump affected thousands of residents and schools, with dozens requiring medical treatment for mild respiratory and skin irritation.
An FAA review later concluded that the pilots had complied with federal regulations and acted according to their training procedures. Still, affected residents filed a class action lawsuit, alleging trespass, negligence, and nuisance due to what they argued was an unnecessary discharge.
Delta denied wrongdoing but agreed to a financial settlement to avoid a prolonged legal battle and the cost of litigation.
The proposed settlement, now filed in a federal court in Los Angeles, awaits judicial approval.
In July, Delta announced two new routes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) starting in June 2026. The airline will offer around 1,925 weekly seats to Hong Kong and 3,360 weekly seats to Chicago.
