The aviation giant Airbus is facing mounting legal scrutiny as an American Airlines flight attendant alleges severe illness from cabin air contamination. Airbus toxic fume lawsuit claims negligence in aircraft design, potentially exposing the company to damages exceeding $30 million.
Phoenix-based flight attendant Tamar Ferrel filed the complaint on Jan. 27, citing an incident on Jan. 14, 2024, while aboard an American Airlines Airbus A319 at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport.
The Incident That Sparked the Lawsuit
According to the lawsuit, around 8:15 a.m., the plane’s auxiliary power unit (APU) was activated at the captain’s request. Ferrel says she was immediately overwhelmed by a “dirty sock smell” filling the cabin. She walked to the galley only to find another attendant “coughing and gagging despite wearing two gas masks,” the complaint states.
The captain reportedly ordered an evacuation, but Ferrel remained onboard for 45 to 60 minutes while passengers deplaned. During that time, she experienced pounding headaches, relentless coughing, and a mental fog.
Emergency care was provided to Ferrel, the two pilots, and other crew members. Although she was cleared to return to work, attempts to resume duties proved disastrous. On a flight to Mexico two days later, Ferrel claims she experienced dizziness, severe headaches, and confusion akin to being intoxicated.
