Delta Air Lines to Compensate Passengers in Toronto Crash-Landing
Delta Air Lines (DAL) has announced a compensation package of $30,000 to each passenger involved in the Minneapolis-to-Toronto flight crash-landing. The payment, offered unconditionally, aims to address the immediate financial needs of those affected.
The offer comes as part of international conventions governing air travel incidents. Under the Warsaw and Montreal Conventions, airlines are required to make advance payments to passengers for injuries sustained during flights. In this instance, the flight originated in the US and was bound for Canada.
Delta's website notes that in cases of injury or death, passengers are entitled to a minimum advance payment of 16,000 Special Drawing Rights ($20,000) to cover immediate expenses. However, the treaties stipulate that carriers cannot limit their liability if damages exceed 151,880 Special Drawing Rights ($200,000).
CEO Ed Bastian praised the crew's heroic actions during the incident, confirming they were highly experienced.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is leading the investigation, with assistance from the National Transportation Safety Board. Investigators continue to analyze the cause of the crash, which caused the CRJ-900 aircraft to land hard on a snow-covered runway, bounce, flip, and land upside down.
Delta's compensation offer does not preclude legal action by passengers. As of publication, the number of passengers accepting the offer remains unknown.