Chaotic air turbulence leaves 25 Delta Airline passengers seeking medical attention
In the skies over North America, a series of close calls and accidents have raised concerns about the safety of commercial aviation. Here's a rundown of some of the most noteworthy incidents that have occurred since January 2025.
Delta Airlines Face Turbulence
On July 30, 2025, Delta Air Lines flight DL-56, operated by an Airbus A330-900 from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam, encountered severe turbulence at flight level 370. The turbulence caused the plane to divert and make an emergency landing at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. The incident resulted in injuries to 25 people on board, some with broken limbs and fractured ribs, and they were hospitalized and treated afterward. Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported, and the flight safely landed with emergency services awaiting the passengers and crew.
Delta's Emergency Stop in Minneapolis
Another incident involving Delta Airlines was an emergency stop in Minneapolis due to severe turbulence on an unspecified date. The turbulence caused several injuries, and 25 passengers required treatment at area hospitals.
JetBlue's Veering Off the Runway
No fatalities were reported in the incident involving JetBlue Flight 488 on July 4, 2025, in Orlando, Florida, as the Airbus A320 veered off the runway due to a hydraulic issue during taxiing.
Southwest's Close Call
Southwest Flight 1496 performed a dramatic descent to avoid a collision with a Hawker Hunter jet on July 25, 2025, resulting in two flight attendants being injured; the flight landed safely. The FAA is investigating.
American Airlines' Aborted Takeoff
American Airlines Boeing 737 Max experienced an aborted takeoff due to a landing gear fire in Denver, Colorado, on July 27, 2025, resulting in one passenger being hospitalized with minor injuries.
GoJet's Smoke Incident
GoJet Flight 4423 (CRJ‐700) on July 1, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri, reported possible smoke onboard and returned to Lambert International Airport without injuries. The FAA is investigating.
Military Helicopters Near Misses
Army Black Hawks violated separation standards near Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., on May 1, 2025, causing at least two near misses with commercial flights. The FAA restricted military helicopter operations near the Pentagon afterward.
Other Incidents
Delta Airlines Flight 4819, a regional jet from Toronto, Canada, flipped over during landing in Minneapolis due to a broken landing gear, resulting in 18 injuries. American Airlines Flight 1665, an Airbus A321 en route to Charlotte, experienced an engine issue shortly after takeoff on June 25, 2025, and safely returned to Las Vegas. No injuries were reported.
Investigations Ongoing
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the incidents involving JetBlue Flight 488 and GoJet Flight 4423.
These incidents follow two decades of remarkable airline safety, but the recent mishaps have prompted ongoing National Transportation Safety Board hearings and legislative proposals to require military and all aircraft to use ADS-B tracking systems. The safety of our skies remains a top priority for all involved in the aviation industry.
In light of the ongoing investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) into incidents like the close call between Southwest Flight 1496 and a Hawker Hunter jet, and the smoking GoJet Flight 4423, political discussions about enhancing air safety are emerging. Media outlets are beginning to include airline safety in their general news, war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and politics sections, reflecting public concern. Moreover, the recent string of accidents and near-misses in commercial aviation has prompted calls for measures such as the adoption of ADS-B tracking systems to improve aircraft tracking and, in turn, safety.
