2 US-bound flights from Mexico stuck on tarmac for hours after being diverted to Alabama airport without customs staff

CNN - Apr 12th, 2025

Nearly 300 passengers aboard two Delta Air Lines flights were stranded for hours on the tarmac in Montgomery, Alabama, after severe weather forced the diversion of their planes from Atlanta. The flights, coming from Cabo San Lucas and Mexico City, landed at Montgomery Regional Airport late Thursday night. However, the lack of Customs and Border Protection facilities meant passengers could not disembark until a special arrangement was made early Friday morning. Delta apologized for the inconvenience and offered full refunds to affected customers. Passengers were provided with basic refreshments while they waited, although frustrations grew as updates were inconsistent.

The incident highlights the challenges airlines face when severe weather disrupts operations, especially for international flights requiring customs processing. This event underscores the importance of contingency planning for airlines, particularly when dealing with airports lacking necessary facilities. The situation also raises questions about passenger rights and the responsibilities of airlines in unforeseen circumstances. Delta's response, including issuing refunds, attempts to mitigate customer dissatisfaction, but the experience left many passengers, like Lauren Forbes and her boyfriend, bearing additional costs and frustrations as they continued their journey.

Delta Air Lines Passenger Rights Customs And Border Protection Severe Weather Flight Diversion Montgomery Regional Airport

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.4

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a well-rounded and factual account of the flight diversions due to severe weather, with credible sources and a clear narrative. It effectively balances the perspectives of the airline and passengers, though it could benefit from additional viewpoints, such as those of airport officials or weather experts. The story is timely and relevant, addressing public interest in airline operations and passenger rights. While it raises awareness of the issues involved, its impact could be strengthened by exploring potential policy changes or solutions. Overall, the article is informative and engaging, with room for deeper exploration of the systemic challenges highlighted by the incident.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports on the diversion of Delta flights due to severe weather conditions, a fact corroborated by the Delta spokesperson. It also correctly identifies the lack of Customs and Border Protection staffing at Montgomery Regional Airport, which contributed to the delay in disembarking passengers. However, the story could benefit from more precise details on the exact weather conditions that prompted the diversion and why other airports with customs facilities were not considered. The narrative about the passengers' experience aligns with first-hand accounts, adding veracity to the report.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view by including statements from Delta and passenger accounts, offering insights into both the airline's perspective and the travelers' experiences. However, it could enhance balance by including perspectives from airport officials or weather experts to provide a fuller picture of the decision-making process. The focus is mainly on the passengers and Delta's response, which might overlook other relevant viewpoints.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the sequence of events. The language is straightforward and accessible, making it easy to understand the situation. However, some details, such as the specific nature of the weather conditions and the process for securing customs accommodations, could be elaborated for greater clarity.

Source quality

The primary sources in the story are credible, including statements from a Delta spokesperson and a passenger, Lauren Forbes, which lend authority to the report. The use of a direct quote from Delta strengthens the reliability of the information. However, the story could be improved by incorporating additional sources, such as airport officials or meteorologists, to provide a more comprehensive view of the situation.

Transparency

The article is transparent about its sources, clearly attributing information to a Delta spokesperson and a passenger. However, it lacks detailed explanation on how the special accommodation with CBP was reached or the criteria used by Delta to select Montgomery as the diversion airport. More background on these decisions would enhance transparency and help readers understand the complexities involved.