Delta Flight DL504 from Orlando to Los Angeles diverted to Tampa on Dec. 27 after cabin crew reported an unusual odor. The Airbus A321 carried 194 passengers and six crew; the diversion was made "out of an abundance of caution." Passengers were rebooked onto a replacement aircraft that departed Tampa after 3 p.m. and arrived at LAX around 5:40 p.m. Officials have not yet determined the odor's source; the FAA notes that cabin air is usually safe but rare mechanical faults can introduce fumes.
Delta A321 Diverts to Tampa After Crew Detects Unusual Odor; Passengers Rebooked
Austin DeSisto/NurPhoto via GettyA Delta aircraft photographed on Dec. 22, 2025
A Delta Air Lines flight en route from Orlando to Los Angeles made an unscheduled landing in Tampa on Dec. 27 after the cabin crew reported an unusual odor aboard the aircraft.
What Happened
Delta Flight DL504, an Airbus A321 carrying 194 passengers and six crew members, was diverted to Tampa International Airport and landed at about 11:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, Dec. 27. The airline said the diversion was made "out of an abundance of caution" after the flight crew detected an odor in the cabin.
Passenger Handling and Outcome
Delta confirmed that customers were accommodated on an alternate aircraft. The replacement plane departed Tampa shortly after 3 p.m. and arrived at Los Angeles International Airport at approximately 5:40 p.m. local time. No injuries or illnesses related to this incident have been reported publicly.
Chris Urso/Tampa Bay Times/ZUMA Press Wire/ShutterstockThe control tower at Tampa International Airport photographed on Nov. 6, 2025.
"At Delta, the safety of our customers and crew comes before anything else, and we appreciate our customers' patience," a Delta spokesperson said.
Context And Safety Notes
Officials have not yet identified the source of the odor. This incident follows a Dec. 16 report in San Antonio in which an inbound Delta flight reported an "unknown odor or fumes"; five people from that flight were evaluated by emergency responders after landing.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued guidance on Sept. 4 stating that studies show aircraft cabin air is "as good or better than the air found in offices and homes," but it noted that rare mechanical issues—such as an engine oil seal failure or a faulty recirculation fan bearing—can allow fumes to enter the cabin.
Delta and aviation authorities typically investigate odor reports and mechanical possibilities to determine the cause and to ensure continued safety on subsequent flights.
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