Plane piloted by Delta experiences rough air travel and lands in Minneapolis, resulting in hospitalization for 25 passengers
On July 30, 2025, Delta Air Lines flight DL56, an Airbus A330-900neo, was en route from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam when it encountered significant turbulence at cruising altitude around 37,000 feet. The turbulence, which occurred in three waves of increasing severity, resulted in the plane dropping about 1,000 feet, according to passenger reports, although Delta did not officially confirm the exact altitude loss.
The flight, carrying 275 passengers and 13 crew members, was forced to divert to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport where it landed safely. Upon landing, 25 passengers were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and care due to injuries sustained during the turbulence. The airline and emergency responders prioritized safety, but details on injury severity were not publicly disclosed.
Medical personnel met the flight upon arrival to evaluate customers and crew. The Delta Care Team is working directly with customers to support their immediate needs.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is conducting a full-scale review to evaluate whether the weather could have been spotted in advance. Another passenger claimed that the turbulence struck in three waves, and each one got worse, with people screaming. One passenger reported that flight attendants were sent flying when they were in the aisle with beverage carts.
In light of the incident, Duffy cautioned passengers to keep their seatbelts on at all times unless using the lavatory. He urged passengers to stay vigilant and follow crew instructions during turbulent flights.
While another incident involving American Airlines passengers evacuating a smoky plane on the Denver tarmac received attention, no new information was provided about this incident.
Flight Aware reported that the diverted flight landed safely at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport at 6:43 p.m. and landed around 7:45 p.m.
The pilot reportedly told a passenger that the plane had dropped about 1,000 feet at one point, but the airline has not confirmed this detail. This incident serves as a reminder for passengers to always prioritize safety and follow crew instructions during flights, especially when encountering unexpected turbulence.
General news outlets reported an unexpected car-accident involving several passengers who were transported to hospitals after the DL56 Delta Air Lines flight, headed from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam, experienced significant turbulence. Despite the sports-like manner in which some passengers described the turbulence, the incident highlighted the need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols during all forms of travel, especially when faced with accidents like these.
