Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
A321 diversion: American Airlines Diverts After Fumes
American Airlines flight AA2118 diverted to Houston after passengers and crew reported fumes onboard.
On November 23, American Airlines flight 2118 (AA2118 / AAL2118), operated on an Airbus A321-200 from Orlando International (MCO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), diverted to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) after fumes were detected in the cockpit and cabin — an A321 diversion that ended with a safe landing at approximately 7:10 p.m. local time.
A321 diversion — what happened on November 23?
Crew members reported odors in the flight deck and passenger cabin, prompting the diversion. The Airbus A321 touched down at IAH where emergency responders met the aircraft. Five occupants were taken to hospital for evaluation; the airline and local authorities have not released further medical details. American Airlines (IATA: AA, ICAO: AAL) operated the flight.
- Flight: American Airlines Flight 2118 (AA2118 / AAL2118)
- Aircraft: Airbus A321-200
- Route: Orlando (MCO) → Phoenix (PHX), diverted to Houston (IAH)
- Landing time: ~7:10 p.m. local time on November 23
- Outcome: Five hospitalized for evaluation; FAA investigation opened relating to the A321 diversion
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident. Investigations in cases like this typically collect flight data, maintenance records and crew reports to determine the source of fumes, though the FAA has not released a timeline or detailed findings yet. The event is a reminder of the operational and safety challenges airlines and regulators manage daily in US commercial aviation.
