Maggots Force Delta Air Lines Flight to Turn Back to Amsterdam

Flight Returns to Amsterdam After Passenger Is Covered in Maggots

Delta Air Lines Flight 133, en route from Amsterdam to Detroit, had to turn back to Amsterdam after maggots reportedly fell onto a passenger sitting next to Philip Schotte. The passenger and Schotte witnessed about a dozen maggots on the woman, prompting her to freak out and try to fight them off.

Schotte described his shock and disgust at the situation, stating that they had to wait for help to arrive. The flight crew eventually traced the source of the maggots to a passenger's bag, which contained rotten fish wrapped in newspaper. The bag was moved to the back of the plane, and it was announced that the flight would be returning to Amsterdam.

Schotte later took another flight to the US a few hours later. However, CNN has not independently verified the details of his account.

Flight Duration and Delta's Response

Flight tracking data shows that Delta Air Lines Flight 133 spent just one hour and 49 minutes in the air before turning back to Amsterdam. Delta Airlines confirmed the incident, but did not address the issue of the maggots specifically.

In a statement, Delta Airlines apologized to the customers of Flight 133 and attributed the disruption to an improperly packed carry-on bag. The aircraft was removed from service for cleaning, and the passengers were placed on the next available flight.

Delta's Policy on Perishable Food Items

According to Delta's website, there are no prohibitions on bringing perishable food items, including fish, as long as they do not violate agricultural restrictions for the destination country.

It is unknown at this time whether the passenger with the rotten fish was aware of the maggots in their bag or if any additional measures will be taken by the airline regarding carry-on items.