Tampa, FL — Several passengers aboard a JetBlue flight from Cancun to Newark were hospitalized Thursday after the plane experienced a sudden altitude drop, forcing an emergency landing in Florida, officials said.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Airbus A320 was diverted to Tampa International Airport around 2 p.m. following the midair incident. The flight, originally bound for Newark, New Jersey, was carrying 162 passengers.
Emergency Landing After Midair Drop
The unexpected drop in altitude occurred shortly after the flight departed Mexico. While details about the cause remain under investigation, both passengers and crew members sustained injuries during the incident.
“We’ve got at least three people injured. It seems like maybe a laceration in the head,” a pilot can be heard saying in air traffic control audio captured by LiveATC.net.
The FAA confirmed that it has launched an investigation into the cause of the sudden descent and subsequent diversion.
According to NJ.com, emergency crews were on standby as the aircraft landed safely in Tampa. Medical officials evaluated the passengers and crew at the airport, and several individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for further treatment.
JetBlue Responds
In a statement, JetBlue said the aircraft was immediately taken out of service for inspection and a full internal review is underway.
“Our team has taken the aircraft out of service for inspection, and we will conduct a full investigation to determine the cause,” JetBlue said. “The safety of our customers and crewmembers is always our first priority, and we will work to support those involved.”
The airline did not immediately confirm the number or severity of the injuries, but described the incident as “unusual and sudden.”
Investigation Underway
Both the FAA and JetBlue’s safety team are investigating whether turbulence, mechanical issues, or cabin pressurization problems may have triggered the altitude drop. Flight tracking data and cockpit recordings are expected to play a key role in determining what went wrong.
Aviation safety experts note that even brief, steep altitude losses can cause severe injuries, particularly when passengers or crew are not wearing seatbelts.
“These situations can happen quickly and without warning,” said a former FAA investigator. “It’s a reminder of why it’s critical to keep your seatbelt fastened even when the sign is off.”
Passengers Evaluated and Assisted
Medical personnel at Tampa International Airport treated passengers immediately upon landing. Those with head or back injuries were transported to hospitals for additional care.
JetBlue said replacement aircraft and assistance teams were arranged to help travelers continue to their destination once the investigation cleared the scene.
The FAA has not yet released an official cause of the altitude loss but confirmed that the incident remains under active review.
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