Source: Simon Hradecky | www.avherald.com

An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-900, registration N224AK performing flight AS-51 from Chicago O’Hare,IL to Seattle,WA (USA) with 144 passengers and 6 crew, was climbing out of Chicago when the crew stopped the climb at FL250 due to an odour of burning plastics on board. The crew subsequently decided to divert to Minneapolis,MN (USA) where the aircraft landed safely. 8 passengers reported feeling ill and were checked at the airport by medical staff. 4 cabin crew were taken to a hospital.

The FAA reported the aircraft diverted to Minneapolis due to air quality issues, four cabin crew were transported to hospital with unknown injuries.

The airline reported 8 passengers were examined for respiratory problems, 4 crew members were hospitalized. The cause of the odour is being investigated.