Delta has agreed to pay nearly $79 million to resolve a class action lawsuit stemming from the 2020 fuel dump incident that affected thousands of Los Angeles-area residents.
The settlement, which received preliminary approval from U.S. District Judge John A. Kronstadt, resolves claims brought after Delta Flight 89 released approximately 15,000 gallons of jet fuel at low altitude over neighborhoods near Los Angeles International Airport.
The aircraft, a Boeing 777-200 bound for Shanghai, was forced to return to Los Angeles shortly after takeoff due to an engine issue.
Flight 89 departed Los Angeles on January 14, 2020, and experienced a compressor stall in its right engine shortly after takeoff. The crew opted to return to Los Angeles and jettisoned fuel to reduce landing weight.
Lower-Than-Normal Altitude
According to the lawsuit, the fuel dump occurred at a lower altitude than standard procedure and over populated areas, resulting in exposure at several schools and across thousands of homes. The aircraft landed safely with no injuries reported onboard.
Court filings show that plaintiffs alleged trespass, nuisance, and negligence after the fuel landed on tens of thousands of homes, schools, and properties across Los Angeles and Orange counties. More than 60 people, including children, were treated at area schools following the incident. Residents also reported lingering property damage and contamination.
Under the agreement, Delta will create a non-reversionary settlement fund of $78.75 million to compensate affected property owners and residents. The settlement was reached following more than three years of litigation.
The carrier continues to deny liability and wrongdoing but said it agreed to settle in order to avoid further litigation costs and uncertainty.
The court has set a final approval hearing for March 2, 2026. If approved, claims administration will be overseen by Verita Global, LLC, which will notify eligible residents and distribute payments.
Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration launched an investigation and noted that standard fuel-dumping procedures require aircraft to release fuel at higher altitudes and over unpopulated areas so it can safely disperse before reaching the ground.
