Delta flights faced a major crisis yesterday as a transatlantic route encountered significant turbulence, forcing an emergency landing that left 25 passengers hospitalized. The incident has rapidly become a key talking point among passengers, aviation experts, and regulators, shining a spotlight once again on the unpredictability of air travel.
Flight DL56, aboard an Airbus A330-900, departed Salt Lake City for Amsterdam on Wednesday evening with 275 passengers and 13 crew members. Just over an hour into the journey, while cruising over Wyoming, the aircraft suddenly encountered extreme turbulence. According to passenger accounts, the aircraft dropped by over 1,000 feet within seconds, with further sudden dips that sent unbelted passengers and service trolleys crashing into the ceiling. The chaos left multiple travelers and crew injured, mainly those not securely strapped in.
Medical staff met the Delta flight upon its emergency landing at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport around 7:30 p.m. local time. Paramedics quickly evaluated and hospitalized 25 people for further care. Dramatic images from the scene showed emergency vehicles surrounding the aircraft, and shaken passengers recounted the “terrifying” moments, with meal carts flung into the air and several bouts of turbulence striking in rapid succession.
Delta swiftly released a statement, expressing gratitude for first responders:
“Safety is our No. 1 value at Delta, and our Delta Care Team is working directly with customers to support their immediate needs”.
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What Happened on Delta Flight DL56?
- Departure: Salt Lake City, 5:30 p.m. local time, en route to Amsterdam
- Aircraft: Airbus A330-900
- Incident: Severe turbulence over Wyoming, with one drop of more than 1,000 feet
- Emergency Landing: Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, 7:30 p.m.
- On Board: 275 passengers, 13 crew
- Injuries: 25 individuals hospitalized
- Cause: Storm activity in the region, with flight tracking showing other aircraft avoiding the same weather conditions
Inside the Cabin: Passenger Descriptions
Some passengers described several sudden drops, with the most severe incident causing attendants serving meals to lose their balance and trolleys flying. “If you didn’t have your seat belt on, you hit the ceiling, and then fell to the ground. It happened several times and was really scary,” said one traveler. Video from the cabin shows shocked faces and emergency teams responding immediately on landing.
Recent Delta Flights Disruptions
This turbulence incident follows a stretch of challenging days for Delta flights. The previous week, the airline was dealing with fallout from a global IT outage, contributing to hundreds of delays and cancellations. While technical issues had stabilized by late July, airlines—including Delta—have had to adjust safety protocols, especially around cabin service and seatbelt reminders during volatile weather conditions.
Comparing Recent Turbulence Events
| Airline | Date | Injured | Cause | Emergency Landing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | July 30, 2025 | 25 | Severe turbulence | Minneapolis |
| Singapore Airlines | May 2025 | 1 fatal | Severe turbulence | Bangkok |
| United Airlines | June 2025 | 7 | Severe turbulence | Memphis |
| American Airlines | June 2025 | 5 | Severe turbulence | Raleigh |
Table: Major turbulence-related airline incidents in 2025
FAA Response and Investigation
The FAA confirmed that it will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident. Safety experts reiterate that turbulence, while common, can be dangerous when passengers are not wearing seatbelts. Airlines globally are updating safety instructions amid a rise in such events.
What Passengers Need to Know
- Always keep your seatbelt fastened while seated, even if the sign is off
- Follow all crew instructions, especially during cabin service
- Report injuries to cabin crew immediately
With Delta flights currently under close watch by the public and federal authorities, travelers are encouraged to review safety guidance and stay informed on weather conditions before flight.
Delta’s rapid response and medical support have drawn praise, though the event has sparked new debate around in-flight safety.
If you’ve experienced turbulence or have thoughts on Delta flights’ recent run of challenges, share your story below and join our conversation.