Source: Simon Hradecky | www.avherald.com

A United Boeing 737-800, registration N37263 performing flight UA-1675 from Baltimore,MD to San Francisco,CA (USA), was climbing through FL250 out of Baltimore when the crew stopped the climb reporting about 20 passengers were complaining about health problems as result of an abnormal odour on board. The aircraft diverted to Washington Dulles,DC (USA) for a safe landing about 40 minutes after departure. Seven passengers were taken to hospitals, a number of passengers were treated at the airport.

The airport reported emergency services responded to a report of an odour on board of the aircraft.

United confirmed a strong odour on board causing several passengers to be taken to hospitals and pledged to cover the passengers’ hospital cost and related expenses.

Passengers reported there was some faint fuel smell prior to departure, which substantially worsened once airborne. About 20 passengers began to complain about nausea, chest pain, headache and breathing trouble. Medical staff awaited them at the airport and treated all those not feeling well.