15 to 20 hospitalized after JetBlue flight gets diverted to Tampa, officials say

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A plane to Newark had to be diverted to Tampa after a problem emerged mid-flight Thursday.

A spokesperson for JetBlue told 8 On Your Side that Flight 1230 was meant to fly from Cancun International Airport in Mexico to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

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However, it was diverted to Tampa International Airport after a “drop in altitude.”

The Federal Aviation Administration said the plane, an Airbus 320, was diverted at 2 p.m. due to a “flight control issue.”

JetBlue said medical personnel evaluated both passengers and crewmembers. Tampa Fire Rescue said “approximately 15 to 20 passengers” evaluated and taken to Tampa area hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.

“Our team has taken the aircraft out of service for inspection, and we will conduct a full investigation to determine the cause,” the airline said. “The safety of our customers and crewmembers is always our first priority, and we will work to support those involved.”

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