‘Unknown Odour’ On Alaska Airlines Plane Sends Two Flight Attendants To Hospital; Probe Underway – News18

An Alaska Airlines flight was canceled Monday night when two flight attendants fell ill due to an “unknown odour” detected at the rear of the plane.

Flight ASA 828, scheduled from Honolulu, Hawaii to Anchorage, Alaska at 11:45 pm, was boarding when the incident occurred, USA TODAY reported, citing Honolulu EMS spokesperson.

The two female crew members reported feeling sick around 11:15 p.m., prompting Honolulu Emergency Medical Services to transport them to the emergency room in serious condition.

Alaska Airlines confirmed the incident and stated it had been reported to relevant authorities for further investigation. Both crew members have since been cleared medically to resume flying.

US media reports said toxic fumes, occasionally drawn into airplane cabins without filtration through ventilation systems, can cause symptoms like dizziness, nausea, headaches, or cramps.

Although rare, research indicates such incidents occur between 0.09 to 3.9 times per 1,000 flights in the U.S., translating to some two to three incidents daily. Given their prolonged exposure to cabin air, flight attendants face higher risks of encountering these fumes.