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Five Hospitalized After Fumes Reported on American Airlines Flight; Aircraft Diverts to Houston

An American Airlines A321 (Flight 2118) from Orlando to Phoenix diverted to Houston on Nov. 23 after crew reported fumes in the cockpit and cabin. Four flight attendants and one passenger were taken to a local hospital as a precaution; other passengers later continued to Phoenix on a different aircraft. The FAA says cabin air is generally safe but rare mechanical failures can allow fumes in, and independent reviews have raised concerns about possible long-term health effects from repeated exposure.

09:13 AM, 11/25/2025Health
Five Hospitalized After Fumes Reported on American Airlines Flight; Aircraft Diverts to Houston

Flight Diverts After Reports of Fumes; Five Treated as Precaution

An American Airlines Airbus A321 operating as Flight 2118 from Orlando to Phoenix diverted to Houston on Nov. 23 after crew members reported an unusual odor in both the flight deck and the cabin. The flight departed Orlando International Airport at 6:09 p.m. local time and was diverted just under two hours into the trip.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says crews reported "fumes in the flight deck and cabin." In audio released by authorities, a pilot declares an "Aircraft alert" and requests multiple transport units.

After the aircraft landed safely and taxied to the gate under its own power, four flight attendants and one passenger were taken to a local hospital as a precaution. Passengers later boarded a different aircraft and continued to Phoenix.

An airline spokesperson thanked crew members for their professionalism and apologized to customers for the disruption. The airline and regulators have not yet identified the type or source of the odor; an investigation is ongoing.

Cabin Air Safety and Health Concerns

The FAA says aircraft cabin air is generally comparable to or better than the air found in typical offices and homes, but notes that rare mechanical problems — such as a compromised engine oil seal or a failing recirculation-fan bearing — can allow fumes to enter the cabin.

A recent independent analysis of aviation safety reports and related documents has raised growing concern that passengers and crew may be harmed by toxic cabin fumes, with potential long-term health consequences after repeated exposure.

Neurologist Robert Kaniecki, who has treated pilots and flight attendants for neurological injuries he attributes to fume exposure, described symptoms as similar to a "chemical concussion" and "extraordinarily similar" to those seen in contact-sport head trauma.

Authorities and the airline continue to investigate the incident. At this time, all passengers and crew were reported safe following medical evaluations, and the affected flight ultimately reached its destination on another aircraft.

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