Montgomery, Alabama – Two Delta Air Lines flights traveling from Mexico to Boston faced unexpected delays and a lengthy tarmac wait at an airport in Alabama due to a customs issue. The flights, DL 1828 from Los Cabos International Airport and DL 599 from Mexico City, were bound for Atlanta before continuing to Boston, but severe weather forced them to divert to Montgomery.

Passengers on the international flights were required to remain on the tarmac for hours in Montgomery, as there was a lack of Customs and Border Protection staff available at the airport. After enduring a seven-hour wait with limited snacks and water, passengers were finally allowed to disembark in small groups in the early hours of the morning.

One passenger, Lauren Forbes, shared her experience of being confined to a roped-off area with limited restroom access while waiting for updates on their departure. The delays resulted in an additional eight-hour wait before passengers could finally depart for Atlanta. Forbes, along with her boyfriend, had to make alternative arrangements for their connecting flight to Boston.

Delta Air Lines expressed regret for the extended delay and inconvenience caused to their customers, attributing the situation to the adverse weather conditions and exceeded crew working hours. The airline stated that full refunds would be issued to affected passengers, with some passengers allowed to enter the airport in the early morning hours but restricted to designated areas.

Alabama’s Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport was deemed unsuitable as a diversion point due to similar severe weather conditions. Passengers like Forbes are now calling for improved protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future, despite efforts by Delta to address the situation and offer compensation to affected travelers. The challenges faced by these passengers serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of contingency plans during unexpected disruptions.