Turbulence forces diversion of Delta flight, sends 25 to hospital

Twenty-five people were taken to hospitals after a Delta flight headed from Utah to Amsterdam experienced “significant turbulence” and had to land in Minneapolis Wednesday, the airline said.

Flight DL56, headed from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam, landed at Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport, Delta said in a statement.

“Medical personnel met the flight upon arrival to evaluate customers and crew. Twenty-five of those on board were transported to local hospitals for evaluation and care,” the airline said. “We are grateful for the support of all emergency responders involved.”

Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport said the flight landed safely around 7:45 p.m. The airport’s fire department and EMS responded to the gate to help those on board, it said.

“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 said.

The airline’s statement did not say how many passengers and crew were onboard. The plane involved was an Airbus A330-900, it said. That type of aircraft has a maximum seating capacity of 465, according to Airbus’ website.

In March, five passengers suffered what were described as minor injuries after United flight experienced turbulence and made an emergency landing in Waco, Texas. SkyWest Flight 5690 operating as United Express, a United Airlines regional flight service network. That flight was headed from Missouri to Houston.