Southern California, August 31, 2025
News Summary
Delta Air Lines has proposed a $78.75 million settlement in response to a fuel dumping incident in January 2020 that affected 38,000 properties in Southern California. The settlement awaits judicial approval and addresses claims from individuals impacted by the fuel dump, which discharged 15,000 gallons over residential areas. Though the airline denies liability, it has agreed to cooperate with plaintiffs to investigate health concerns associated with the incident.
California—Delta Air Lines has agreed to a settlement of $78.75 million following a 2020 incident where one of its planes dumped fuel over residential neighborhoods in Southern California. This proposed settlement is awaiting judicial approval and was filed as part of a class-action lawsuit in Los Angeles federal court.
The class-action lawsuit has been ongoing since January 2020, following the fuel dumping incident on January 14, 2020. During this event, Delta Flight 89, which was bound for Shanghai, encountered engine problems shortly after taking off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). As the plane needed to return to the airport, the pilots opted to reduce the aircraft’s weight by dumping fuel, as it was considered too heavy for a safe landing.
The Boeing 777 discharged approximately 15,000 gallons of jet fuel over numerous properties across Los Angeles and Orange County, impacting around 38,000 properties and approximately 160,000 individuals. The dumped fuel affected various locations, including elementary schools, leading to medical treatment for 20 children and 11 adults who suffered from minor injuries, such as skin and eye irritation. In total, reports indicated that 67 individuals were treated for minor health complaints stemming from the exposure.
Investigations revealed that the pilots had failed to notify air traffic control prior to dumping fuel, an action that is typically required. Furthermore, the pilots conducted the fuel dump at a dangerously low altitude of 2,000 feet, while standard procedure dictates that such actions are taken at heights above 5,000 feet. Nonetheless, a subsequent investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) concluded that the pilots acted properly and adhered to FAA regulations during the incident.
As part of the settlement, Delta Air Lines denies any admission of liability, expressing confidence that it could have proven no lasting harm resulted from the incident. The decision to settle was made in order to circumvent the uncertainty and potential costs associated with litigation.
After deducting attorney fees and other legal expenses, the net settlement amount is projected to be approximately $50.59 million. For affected property owners who submit claims, compensation could reach about $888.82, whereas residents could expect around $104.34.
A final approval hearing for this settlement is proposed for March. Furthermore, Delta Air Lines has agreed to cooperate with plaintiffs to address health concerns stemming from the incident by reconstructing the fuel dump scenario and analyzing any residual fuel effects.
A separate lawsuit is currently pending regarding injuries experienced by individuals, including school children, resulting from this incident.
FAQ
What caused the fuel dump incident with Delta Air Lines?
The incident occurred when Delta Flight 89 experienced engine problems shortly after takeoff from LAX. The pilots dumped fuel to reduce the aircraft’s weight for a safe return landing.
How many properties and individuals were affected by the fuel dump?
Approximately 38,000 properties and 160,000 individuals were affected by the fuel dump that fell over residential areas in Los Angeles and Orange County.
What is the amount of the proposed settlement?
Delta Air Lines has proposed a settlement of $78.75 million, which is awaiting judicial approval.
What could claimants expect to receive from the settlement?
Affected property owners could receive approximately $888.82, while residents who submit claims could expect to receive around $104.34.
Key Features of the Incident and Settlement
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | January 14, 2020 |
| Flight Number | Delta Flight 89 |
| Fuel Dumped | 15,000 gallons |
| Affected Properties | Approximately 38,000 |
| Affected Individuals | Approximately 160,000 |
| Proposed Settlement Amount | $78.75 million |
| Projected Net Settlement Value | Approximately $50.59 million |
| Claim Amount for Property Owners | About $888.82 |
| Claim Amount for Residents | About $104.34 |
| Settlement Approval Hearing | Proposed for March |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AP News: Delta Fuel Dump Settlement
- Wikipedia: Delta Air Lines
- Business Insider: Delta Settlement Overview
- Google Search: Delta Fuel Dump Incident 2020
- CBS News: Delta Fuel Dump Settlement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fuel Dumping
- KTLA: Delta Fuel Dump Settlement
- Google News: Delta Air Lines Lawsuit
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
