Two passengers on a Delta Airlines flight from Detroit to Atlanta last week refused to wear masks, forcing the plane to return to the gate, a Delta spokesperson said.
Flight 1227 returned to the gate at Detroit Metro Airport on July 23 because the two “were non-compliant with crew instructions,” WXYZ reported.
The plane eventually left for Atlanta after a short delay. It’s unclear if the pair were banned from the airline for refusing to wear masks.
Delta’s COVID-era policies are among the most stringent among US-based airlines.
Last month, the airline announced that it will require medical screenings for passengers who can’t wear face masks due to health concerns.
Delta also insists on pre-departure medical screenings along with its COVID-era public health protocols.
“We encourage customers who are prevented from wearing a mask due to a health condition to reconsider travel,” the airline has said.
“If they decide to travel, they will be welcome to fly upon completing a virtual consultation prior to departure at the airport to ensure everyone’s safety, because nothing is more important.”
The airline does not allow passengers to sit in middle seats and has cut back on some in-flight services.
