Passengers faced lengthy delays after a Delta Air Lines flight attendant accidentally deployed an emergency exit slide, in an error that could cost the airline up to $100,000. The incident occurred on Saturday aboard Delta flight 3248 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Salt Lake City, Utah. According to a Delta spokesperson, the slide was mistakenly activated while the aircraft door was being opened at the arrival gate in Pittsburgh. As a result, passengers due to fly back to Salt Lake City were rebooked on later flights, with the airline apologising for the disruption to their travel plans.
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One passenger described the situation as a “complete shambles” on social media, saying the flight attendant — who reportedly had over 26 years of experience — appeared visibly shaken and repeatedly apologised. Witnesses recalled hearing a loud “boom” as the slide inflated unexpectedly. Data from Flightradar24 showed the flight departed nearly four hours behind schedule, taking off at 9.21 p.m. instead of its planned 5.30 p.m. departure.
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Experts say accidental slide deployments can happen when a door is opened while still armed for emergency use, triggering the power-assisted mechanism. The cost of repacking an evacuation slide for Airbus A220 aircraft typically ranges between £40,000 and £80,000, with total expenses possibly reaching six figures once maintenance, compensation, and other associated costs are considered. Delta has yet to comment further on the incident.
