JetBlue Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Altitude Drop, Injuring Passengers

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — At least 15 passengers were taken to a hospital after a JetBlue flight from Cancun, Mexico, experienced a sudden drop in altitude and made an emergency landing in Florida on Thursday.

The incident occurred on JetBlue Flight 1230, which was en route to Newark, New Jersey. The aircraft, an Airbus A320, diverted to Tampa International Airport around 2 p.m. ET due to the altitude issue, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The FAA is investigating the flight control issue but has not specified what caused the altitude drop. A JetBlue spokesperson stated, “Our team has taken the aircraft out of service for inspection, and we will conduct a full investigation to determine the cause.”

Medical personnel met the flight upon landing, and approximately 15 to 20 individuals were evaluated for non-life-threatening injuries, as reported by Vivian Shedd of Tampa Bay Fire Rescue. The nature of the injuries remains unclear; air traffic audio included reports of at least one head laceration.

JetBlue assured passengers that the safety of its customers and crew members is a top priority. “We will work to support those involved,” the airline added in its statement.

This incident follows a tumultuous month for air travel in the U.S., as a government shutdown has created staffing issuesamid heightened flight disruptions.