Delta aircraft skids off icy runway, causing major airport closure during Thanksgiving weekend

Over the weekend, a plane slid off an icy runway while landing at Des Moines International Airport, leading to widespread flight cancellations and diversions. Endeavor Air Flight 5087, a Delta Air Lines subsidiary, veered off the runway while entering a taxiway amid severe winter weather.

The incident occurred at 9:30 PM local time on Saturday, 29 November, following a 90-minute flight from Detroit. Passengers could not disembark at the gate as usual and were instead guided down stairs and transported by bus to the terminal. The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ-900, left the paved taxiway due to icy conditions, according to an airport spokesperson speaking to ABC7.

The airport confirmed on social media that a plane had "departed the runway," prompting temporary closure. Numerous flights scheduled to land or take off afterward were either canceled, delayed significantly, or diverted to nearby airports. FlightRadar data indicated some arrivals were delayed by more than 12 hours.

By mid-morning Sunday, 30 November, airport operations had resumed. In a statement, Delta said, 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. Safety is our top priority, and we apologize for the disruption.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have opened investigations into the event.

The winter storm that swept across Iowa over the weekend brought snow and strong winds, contributing to multiple road accidents. By Sunday morning, many highways remained snow- or ice-covered. Winter storm warnings had been issued for travelers, stretching from Montana to New York, with heavy snowfall affecting the Great Lakes region.

The weekend saw over 1,400 flight cancellations at major U.S. airports, alongside widespread delays that disrupted domestic travel plans. Delta Air Lines has been contacted for further comment.

Analysis: Winter Weather Disruptions at Des Moines International Airport

The recent incident at Des Moines International Airport serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that severe winter weather poses to air travel. The runway departure of Endeavor Air Flight 5087 highlights both the vulnerabilities of airport operations during extreme conditions and the prompt response of aviation authorities. The icy runway conditions, coupled with the powerful winter storm sweeping across Iowa, forced significant disruptions to flights, affecting both inbound and outbound operations.

Despite the quick response in clearing the aircraft and resuming normal operations by Sunday morning, the event disrupted air travel for hundreds of passengers. The significant delays, including some extending to more than 12 hours, underline how such events can ripple through flight schedules, causing widespread cancellations and diversions. Airports and airlines continue to rely heavily on swift, coordinated efforts to handle such emergencies, yet the impact on travelers' plans is often unavoidable during severe weather events.

Moreover, the ongoing investigations by the FAA and NTSB suggest that thorough safety assessments will follow, potentially leading to recommendations for better preparedness in future winter weather events. It remains clear that, while aviation systems are equipped for adverse conditions, weather-induced incidents such as these will continue to challenge both airport infrastructure and operational response times. As the season progresses, airlines and airports will likely refine their procedures to mitigate similar risks moving forward.

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• Delta plane slides off icy runway shutting major airport over Thanksgiving weekend