Delta flight hit by severe turbulence over US Midwest; 25 hospitalized

A Delta Air Lines flight traveling from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam experienced “significant turbulence” over the US Midwest, resulting in 25 passengers being taken to hospital. 

The airline announced in a statement that the incident happened on the evening of July 30, 2025. The aircraft, an Airbus A330-900neo, registered as N422DZ, had to divert to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) in Minnesota. 

According to real-time flight tracking website Flightradar24, Delta flight DL56 departed Salt Lake City at 22:45 UTC and began its initial climb to 35,000 feet. At 23:19 UTC, the aircraft started climbing to 37,000 feet, reaching that altitude by 23:23 UTC. Moments later, the aircraft encountered “significant turbulence” while enroute. 

Data from Flightradar24 shows that the flight underwent rapid changes in altitude, including a climb of over 1,000 feet and a drop of about 1,350 feet within 30 seconds. 

Delta Air Lines flight #DL56 from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam experienced “significant turbulence” and diverted to Minneapolis. Delta says 25 people on board were taken to local hospitals. https://t.co/6steCqXXYT pic.twitter.com/awql7kVqhA— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) July 31, 2025

The aircraft landed safely at MSP airport at 00:51 UTC, where medical personnel met the flight upon arrival to evaluate customers and crew. The flight had 275 passengers and 13 crew members on board. 

“25 of those on board were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and care. We are grateful for the support of all emergency responders involved,” Delta announced in a statement. 

Turbulence linked to Midwest storms 

Data from Flightradar24 indicates that high-resolution radar in North America showed several aircraft in the area actively avoiding storms at the time of the incident. 

A line of thunderstorms passing through south-central Illinois and nearby states likely contributed to the severe turbulence Delta experienced. Huntington County Emergency Management reported moderate atmospheric instability and the possibility of strong, gusty winds while the flight was over the area. 

The airline did not share specifics about the nature of the turbulence or the status of the patients in the hospital. 

“Safety is our no. 1 value at Delta, and our Delta Care Team is working directly with customers to support their immediate needs,” the airline concluded. The post Delta flight hit by severe turbulence over US Midwest; 25 hospitalized appeared first on AeroTime.

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