Full Breakdown
Delta Plane Slides Off Runway at Des Moines International Airport
11/30/2025, 7:53:50 PM
Incident Overview
On the evening of November 29, 2025, a Delta Air Lines flight, Delta 5087, slid off the runway while landing at Des Moines International Airport during a winter storm. The aircraft, a CRJ-900, was arriving from Detroit, Michigan, and had 54 passengers, two pilots, and two flight attendants onboard. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew. The incident occurred around 10 p.m., coinciding with a significant snowfall that had blanketed Des Moines with approximately 10 inches of snow, marking the highest two-day snowfall since January 2024.
Airport Closure and Flight Disruptions
Following the incident, Des Moines International Airport was closed, with operations expected to remain halted until mid-morning on November 30. As of 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, all flights in and out of the airport had been delayed or canceled. The airport's official X account indicated that they anticipated reopening by mid-morning, but the exact timeline remained uncertain as conditions were still being assessed.
Official Statements & Responses
Sarah Hoodjer, the airport's communications manager, confirmed that all passengers were safely transported to the terminal via bus after deplaning. She noted that the aircraft would remain on the pavement until it was formally released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is conducting an investigation into the incident. Delta Air Lines issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to safety and apologizing for the inconvenience caused to their customers. The statement highlighted that the aircraft left the paved surface due to icy conditions upon landing.
Criticism & Opposition
While no specific criticisms were reported in the immediate aftermath of the incident, the circumstances surrounding the runway conditions during the winter storm may prompt scrutiny regarding airport preparedness and response to adverse weather conditions. The NTSB's investigation will likely address these concerns.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are minor discrepancies regarding the exact time of the incident, with some sources reporting it occurred around 9:30 p.m. while others noted it was around 10 p.m. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initially indicated a reopening time of 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, which contrasts with the airport's own estimates of mid-morning.
Verbatim Quotes
- “a Delta Air Lines aircraft slid off the runway while landing. All passengers are safe and are currently deplaning onto buses for transport to the terminal. There are no reported injuries.” — Sarah Hoodjer, Airport Communications Manager
- “Delta teams at Des Moines International Airport are working to ensure our customers are taken care of after Delta Connection flight 5087 operated by Endeavor Air left the paved surface of the taxiway due to icy conditions upon landing. Safety comes before all else and we apologize to our customers for the experience.” — Delta Air Lines Statement
The incident at Des Moines International Airport underscores the challenges posed by severe winter weather and the importance of safety protocols in aviation. The ongoing investigation by the NTSB will provide further insights into the causes and implications of this event.
