Delta will payout $79M to settle lawsuit after jetliner dumped fuel on schools

Core Points - Delta Air Lines has agreed to pay $79 million to settle a class-action lawsuit related to a fuel dumping incident over Los Angeles in January 2020 [1][9] - The incident involved a Boeing 777-200 that had to return to Los Angeles shortly after takeoff due to engine trouble, resulting in the dumping of 15,000 gallons of fuel [2][4] - The lawsuit was initiated by teachers and homeowners affected by the fuel dumping, who reported minor health issues and emotional distress [3][9] Incident Details - The Delta jet was en route from Los Angeles to Shanghai when it experienced a loss of thrust in one engine shortly after takeoff [4] - To safely land, the aircraft had to dump fuel to reduce its weight, which exceeded the maximum landing weight by approximately 160,000 pounds [4][8] - Firefighters examined nearly 60 schoolchildren and teachers for minor irritations, but none required hospitalization [2] Legal and Financial Implications - Delta's settlement was reached without an admission of liability, aimed at avoiding the costs associated with a trial and minimizing distractions to its business operations [9] - The incident raised concerns about the risks associated with overweight landings, which can lead to expensive repairs and operational disruptions for airlines [6]