Breaking News: JetBlue Flight Forced to Land in Tampa After Midair Incident
A JetBlue flight traveling from Cancun, Mexico, to Newark, New Jersey, was forced to make an emergency landing in Tampa, Florida, after suddenly losing altitude on Thursday afternoon, according to officials.
The aircraft, identified as JetBlue Flight 1230, diverted to Tampa International Airport around 2 p.m. ET, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed.
⚕️ Passengers Taken to Hospital
At least 15 passengers were transported to a nearby hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, said Tampa Bay Fire Rescue spokesperson Vivian Shedd. The injuries reportedly included minor head wounds and other impact-related injuries.
Emergency medical crews met the Airbus A320 on the runway immediately after landing.
🛫 Airline & FAA Respond
JetBlue said the aircraft “experienced a drop in altitude” and was removed from service for a full inspection.
“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 crew members is always our top priority.”
The FAA has launched an investigation into a potential flight control issue, though it remains unclear if the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will open a separate inquiry.
🌦 Weather Conditions at the Time
The incident occurred shortly after a strong cold front passed through the Tampa area, bringing gusty winds and light rain showers, which may have contributed to turbulence and unstable air pressure during the flight.
Air traffic recordings captured by LiveATC.net indicated reports of “injuries aboard” and one possible “laceration to the head,” according to the Associated Press.
📰 What’s Next
JetBlue is expected to release additional details once its internal review is complete. The airline reaffirmed that passenger safety remains its top priority as the FAA continues its investigation.