Delta Airlines flight turbulence caused a terrifying scene midair as a Salt Lake City to Amsterdam flight was forced to make an emergency landing, with over two dozen people hospitalized.
On Wednesday night, Delta Air Lines Flight 56 had just begun its international journey when violent turbulence struck roughly an hour after takeoff. The aircraft, an Airbus A330-900, was carrying 275 passengers and 13 crew members when it encountered a severe pocket of turbulence while flying over the western United States.
The turbulence was so intense that the pilot declared a medical emergency and diverted the flight to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. Emergency teams were already waiting when the plane landed just before 8:00 p.m.
Hospitalizations and Onboard Chaos
At least 25 people, including 7 crew members and 18 passengers, were transported to local hospitals. While most injuries were considered non-life-threatening, some involved head trauma, cuts, and severe bruising. Many passengers were treated for injuries caused by unsecured service carts and falling luggage.
Eyewitnesses described terrifying moments of being launched out of their seats. One passenger said, “I felt like I was on a roller coaster with no seatbelt,” as food trays and drinks flew across the cabin. The sudden drop and shake lasted less than a minute but left a significant number of travelers shaken and injured.
Delta’s Response
Delta Airlines issued a statement confirming the emergency landing and expressed their concern for the affected passengers and crew. The airline activated its Care Team to provide medical and travel support. A replacement flight was later arranged to take passengers to Amsterdam.
The airline emphasized that passenger safety remains their top priority and pledged full cooperation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations into the incident.
Flight and Turbulence Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flight Number | Delta Air Lines DL56 |
| Aircraft Type | Airbus A330-900 |
| Route | Salt Lake City to Amsterdam |
| Passengers on Board | 275 |
| Crew Members | 13 |
| Injured | 25 (18 passengers, 7 crew members) |
| Diversion Airport | Minneapolis–Saint Paul Intl Airport |
| Landing Time | Approximately 7:45 p.m. local time |
A Growing Concern in the Skies
Turbulence is becoming more frequent and unpredictable, particularly clear-air turbulence that occurs without visible storm clouds. Experts suggest that changing climate patterns and jet stream shifts are increasing the intensity and frequency of such incidents.
In recent years, similar turbulence events have led to emergency landings and hospitalizations. Aviation safety analysts are calling for better turbulence detection systems and improved passenger awareness.
Safety Tips for Future Flyers
Here are a few things all passengers should keep in mind to stay safe during turbulence:
- Always wear your seatbelt while seated, even if the sign is off.
- Secure loose items during the flight.
- Follow crew instructions promptly.
- Avoid standing or using restrooms during potential turbulence zones.
While airlines and aircraft are well-equipped to handle in-flight turbulence, moments like this are reminders that safety begins with awareness and preparedness.
What’s Next?
Federal aviation officials have launched an investigation into the incident, reviewing flight data, cockpit communications, and passenger accounts. A preliminary report is expected within the coming weeks.
Fortunately, all hospitalized passengers were released by Thursday morning, with most able to continue their travel plans. The crew, though shaken, were praised by passengers for their calm and professional handling of the emergency.
If you’ve ever experienced severe turbulence while flying, or have concerns about flight safety, share your thoughts below. Stay connected for the latest updates on this developing aviation story.