A Delta Air Lines flight en route to Amsterdam was forced to return to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport due to a mechanical issue with the aircraft’s flaps. The incident occurred on Sunday, February 2, 2025, shortly after the Airbus A330-300 took off from the airport.
Flight DL160 departed at 15:37 local time but returned just over an hour later after pilots reported a malfunction. The aircraft, carrying 272 passengers, circled the Twin Cities to burn fuel before making an emergency landing at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport around 17:22 local time. No injuries were reported.
A Delta spokesperson stated: “Delta flight 160 from Minneapolis to Amsterdam returned safely to the airport shortly after takeoff Sunday evening, after pilots reported a mechanical issue with the aircraft’s flaps. We apologize to our customers for this delay in their travels.” Delta confirmed that all passengers have been accommodated on other flights to Amsterdam.
The Airbus A330-300 involved in the incident has the registration number N827NW and was grounded overnight at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport following its return. It is scheduled to depart for Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on Tuesday, February 4.
According to Planespotters.net, this particular Airbus A330-300 was delivered in April 2016 and is configured with various seating options including business class and economy seats.
Currently, Delta operates a fleet of Airbus A330s consisting of different models with varying ages and numbers in service or parked.
Similar incidents have occurred recently involving other airlines such as American Airlines and Southwest Airlines due to flap malfunctions leading to diversions for safety reasons.
Flaps are essential components used during takeoff and landing for adjusting lift and controlling aircraft handling. Malfunctions can significantly impact flight operations necessitating precautionary measures like returning flights back safely when needed.
