Delta Flight Diverted, Held By Security In Chile

ATLANTA -- A Delta flight from Atlanta to Buenos Aires,Argentina, was diverted Friday because of volcanic ash, and then passengers were ordered off the plane by Chilean security.

Delta Flight 101 left Atlanta at 8:50 p.m. Thursday en route to Argentina, according to Delta officials.

They said while on its way, the plane had to be diverted because of ash in the air from a volcanic eruption in Chile.

Delta said the plane was sent to Santiago, Chile, and landed at about 7 a.m. Friday.

Upon landing, Delta said the plane was met by Chilean airport police, who directed the plane to a remote location.

The airline said airport officials thought there was a security issue on board the plane.

Passengers were held on the plane for about an hour-and-a-half before Chilean customs officials met with the passengers on board.

In total, passengers were delayed about three hours before they and the plane’s crew were cleared, according to Delta.

The plane’s crew and passengers were taken to a hotel so the crew could rest.

The plane took off Saturday moing from Santiago and landed with no issue in Buenos Aires at about 4 a.m. local time, according to the airline.

In statement from Delta, the airline apologized to its passengers, saying: ”We are working with Chilean airport officials to understand the miscommunication surrounding Delta Flight 101 that was diverted to Santiago due to volcanic ash near Buenos Aires. We apologize for the delay and inconvenience to our customers on board this flight."