Overview
A Delta Connection flight slid off an icy runway at Des Moines International Airport over Thanksgiving weekend, triggering widespread flight cancellations, diversions, and delays.
Incident Details
Endeavor Air Flight 5087, operating on behalf of Delta Air Lines, overshot the end of the runway while turning onto a taxiway during winter weather conditions.
The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-900, had arrived at Des Moines at 9:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, 29 November, following a 90-minute flight from Detroit.
Passenger Evacuation
Instead of deplaning at the gate, the 54 passengers exited via mobile stairs and were transported to the terminal by bus.
Airport officials stated that the aircraft “left the paved surface of the taxiway due to icy conditions upon landing.”
Airport Closure and Flight Disruptions
Des Moines International Airport announced that a plane had “departed the runway,” prompting an immediate airport shutdown.
Dozens of flights scheduled to arrive or depart afterward were:
- Cancelled
- Diverted to nearby airports
- Significantly delayed
FlightRadar data shows some flights arrived more than 12 hours late.
The airport later confirmed that it reopened on Sunday morning, 30 November, with operations returning to normal.
Airline Response
Delta released a statement saying its Des Moines teams ensured passengers were cared for after the aircraft slid off the taxiway.
“Safety comes before all else and we apologise to our customers for the experience,” the airline said.
No injuries were reported, and affected passengers were offered compensation.
Investigations Underway
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations into the incident.
Severe Winter Weather Conditions
Winter weather swept across Iowa over the weekend, coinciding with post-Thanksgiving travel.
The National Weather Service reported:
- Snowy, windy conditions
- Multiple car crashes on major highways
- Widespread snow and ice remaining on roads through Sunday morning
Winter storm warnings stretched from Montana to New York, with heavy snowfall especially impacting the Great Lakes region.
Nationwide Travel Impact
Across the United States, over 1,400 flights were canceled during the holiday weekend. Many more faced extended delays, causing major disruptions to domestic travel plans.
