Twenty airline passengers have filed a lawsuit against Delta Air Lines after a flight from Salt Lake City International Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport encountered severe turbulence, resulting in more than two dozen passengers and crew members being hospitalized. The incident took place over Wyoming on July 30, 2025, causing an unscheduled landing in Minnesota due to the rough conditions that lasted for about 2.5 minutes. Following the landing, 25 individuals were taken to hospitals for treatment, as confirmed by Delta Air Lines.
The lawsuit alleges that the pilots of the Airbus A330 flew recklessly close to a thunderstorm, leading to the turbulence that affected the plane. Despite receiving warnings about hazardous weather conditions and witnessing other aircraft diverting from similar routes, the flight crew continued on their planned course. The passengers claim they experienced intense fear and injuries during the turbulent episode, with some suffering head and spinal trauma, concussions, lacerations, broken bones, and lasting psychological effects.
According to the Aviation Law Group, the passengers described a chaotic scene inside the cabin with objects and passengers being thrown around due to the turbulence. The group emphasized that such accidents could have been avoided and criticized the airline for not taking necessary precautions to avoid the severe weather conditions. The National Transportation Safety Board investigation revealed that the pilots were caught off-guard by the storm, although the passengers argue that the National Weather Service had issued advisories about the severe weather along the flight path.
In addition to questioning the decision to proceed into the storm, the lawsuit also criticizes the choice to divert to Minnesota instead of closer airports like Salt Lake City or Denver, which prolonged the flight by 90 minutes. The passengers are seeking compensation and a trial for the damages suffered. Delta Air Lines declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, citing the NTSB investigation into the matter.
