Delta Flight Diverts After Turbulence Sends 25 to Hospital
More than two dozen people were hospitalized after a Delta Air Lines flight encountered severe turbulence, prompting an emergency landing. Delta Flight DL56, an Airbus A330-900neo (registration N422DZ), was en route from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam when it was forced to divert to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport on Wednesday evening.
The aircraft landed safely around 7:25 p.m. local time and was met by emergency medical personnel. According to Delta, 25 individuals aboard the flight were transported to area hospitals for evaluation and treatment following the turbulence incident.
A spokesperson for the Minneapolis-Saint Paul airport confirmed the diversion and noted that the airport fire department and paramedics provided immediate medical care upon arrival. Several passengers sustained injuries during the episode, though the severity of those injuries has not been publicly disclosed.
“We are grateful for the swift response of all emergency personnel involved,” Delta said in a statement following the incident.
Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 revealed a rapid altitude fluctuation about 40 minutes after takeoff. The aircraft reportedly climbed over 1,000 feet in under 30 seconds, followed by a sharp descent of approximately 1,350 feet. Shortly after, the flight changed course toward Minneapolis, landing safely approximately 90 minutes later.
The incident is under review as part of routine safety procedures. This event highlights the ongoing risks associated with in-flight turbulence, even on long-haul international routes aboard widebody aircraft. Delta has not announced whether the flight will be rescheduled or if a new aircraft will be deployed.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com