Delta Air Lines to Provide $30,000 to Passengers After Toronto Crash

TORONTO, Canada — Delta Air Lines has announced plans to compensate each of the 80 individuals on board its flight that crash-landed at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, offering $30,000 to both passengers and crew members. This decision comes shortly after the incident on February 17, which did not result in any fatalities but left 21 people injured, including three with critical injuries.

The flight, Delta Connection 4819, operated by Endeavor Air using a Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft, was arriving from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport when it crashed around 2:15 p.m. ET. Emergency services were quick to the scene as the plane was lying on its back with smoke billowing from its fuselage, prompting a rapid evacuation of all on board.

“The hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected by Monday’s incident,” said Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines. “We are grateful for the first responders who worked swiftly to ensure everyone was safe.” The airline confirmed that this compensation is offered with no strings attached, allowing the passengers to retain their rights.

In a statement, Delta clarified that while the landing conditions were challenging, the runway was reported as dry with no crosswind at the time of the crash. However, weather reports indicated that wind gusts reached 40 mph, following several days of heavy snowfall that covered Toronto.

Despite 18 injuries reported, Delta officials confirmed that only three individuals remained in critical condition following the crash. The critically injured included one child taken to The Hospital for Sick Children, a man in his 60s, and a woman in her 40s sent to other area hospitals.

As investigations into the incident unfold, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada is leading the inquiry with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration. Preliminary inquiries suggest that wind conditions against the backdrop of a previous snowstorm may have been contributing factors.

Ed Bastian defended the Trump administration’s budget cuts to the FAA amidst ongoing discussions surrounding aviation safety, asserting that the cuts affected non-critical safety roles and that over 50,000 employees remained dedicated to maintaining airline safety. He expressed confidence in ongoing investments to modernize air traffic control systems.

Toronto Pearson’s President Deborah Flint noted the extreme weather conditions leading up to the incident, mentioning over 20 inches of snow fell between Thursday and Sunday. Flint highlighted that despite Monday being operationally clear, the snowstorm’s effects were still lingering in the area.

As of Tuesday, flights resumed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, but two runways remain closed pending investigation. Delta Air Lines continues to provide support to those affected, ensuring all passengers are accommodated and all baggage returned as safety authorities finalize their investigations.