Des Moines International Airport Operations Halted After Delta Plane Runway Excursion

A significant event unfolded at Des Moines International Airport (DSM) on a snowy Saturday night, November 29, leading to the complete closure of the airport. A Delta Air Lines flight, arriving from Detroit, experienced a runway excursion, sliding off the paved surface during landing amid challenging winter weather conditions.

Delta Flight 5087 Incident Details

The incident involved Delta Flight 5087, which was completing its journey from Detroit (DTW) to Des Moines (DSM) around 10 p.m. local time. The region was grappling with a post-Thanksgiving winter storm, making landing conditions particularly difficult. As the aircraft touched down, it reportedly slid off the Des Moines runway, bringing airport operations to an immediate standstill.

Passenger Safety Paramount

Airport authorities and airline officials were quick to confirm that despite the alarming nature of the incident, all passengers and crew onboard were safe. “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,” stated Sarah Hoodjer, spokesperson for Des Moines International Airport, as reported by local news outlets.

This swift and safe deplaning process highlights the rigorous safety protocols in place, ensuring the well-being of those aboard during unexpected events like a runway excursion.

Airport Closure and Investigation Underway

Following the incident, the Des Moines Airport was immediately closed, and its operational status remains uncertain. Authorities have not yet provided a definitive timeline for when normal flight operations will resume, advising travelers to check with their respective airlines for updated flight information.

The aircraft involved in the incident remains on the pavement and will not be moved until formally released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The NTSB’s involvement signifies a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the runway excursion, aiming to determine contributing factors and prevent future occurrences. Travelers affected by this disruption can often find updated information directly from Delta Air Lines’ official website or their flight status tools.

What This Means for Travelers

For passengers planning to fly into or out of Des Moines International Airport, significant delays and cancellations are to be expected. It is crucial for travelers to:

• Contact their airline directly for the latest flight status.
• Monitor official airport announcements for reopening updates.
• Consider alternative travel arrangements if flexibility allows.

The safety and efficient resumption of services at Des Moines Airport are the top priorities for all agencies involved. Further updates will be provided as the situation evolves and the NTSB’s investigation progresses.