Two Delta flights from Mexico to Atlanta were grounded overnight on the tarmac in Alabama because of a combination of inclement weather, crew time restrictions, and Customs and Border Patrol regulations. Delta Air Lines reports Flight 1828 from Cabo San Lucas and Flight 599 from Mexico City were both routed to Montgomery, Alabama, on Thursday due to safety reasons in response to severe thunderstorms. The intention was to proceed on to Atlanta after the weather improved, but the weather — namely continued lightning in Montgomery — held the planes longer than anticipated and flight crews exceeded their permitted duty hours.
Because Montgomery Regional Airport doesn’t have the Customs and Border Control staffing and facilities for processing their international arrival, passengers had to stay on board their planes until the airport could reach a deal with CBP early the next morning. USA TODAY has reached out to airport for additional details.
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport would have had the necessary CBP resources, but Delta says it wasn’t a diversion option due to severe weather and reports of wind shear there. 100 years of Delta: A century of grit, heart and a Boeing 767 bought by employees Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
We sincerely apologize to our customers for this experience. We fell short of how we aspire to serve and care for our customers amid thunderstorms in the Southeast U.S. Thursday evening,” a Delta spokesperson said in a statement with USA TODAY. “We are reaching out to each customer with a full refund of their booking.” The airline is also reviewing the incidents to improve future handling and avoid similar situations.
There were nearly 300 passengers on both flights combined. While onboard overnight, Delta says aircraft doors remained open and snacks, drinks, climate control and restrooms were available to passengers. They were also given additional food and drinks after they were allowed into the airport terminal in Montgomery after 5 a.m. Both flights continued onto Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport later Friday. Delta confirmed Flight 1828 left Cabo San Lucas at 5:17 p.m. ET Thursday, arrived in Montgomery at 10:34 p.m. ET Thursday and arrived in Atlanta at 2:05 p.m. ET Friday. Flight 599 left Mexico City at 6:16 p.m. ET Thursday, arrived in Montgomery at 10:22 p.m. ET Thursday and arrived in Atlanta at 12:46 p.m. ET Friday.
