Delta plane slides off DSM runway amid icy conditions; NTSB probes

(DES MOINES, IOWA) A Delta Air Lines passenger jet slid off the runway while landing at Des Moines International Airport on the afternoon of November 30, 2025, coming to rest on soft ground beside the pavement and triggering a major emergency response. Authorities said there were no serious injuries among the 142 passengers and 6 crew members on board the Boeing 737-900.

What happened during the landing

The aircraft was arriving in Des Moines at about 3:45 p.m. local time when it skidded in icy conditions and veered off the runway. Airport officials said earlier freezing rain had left a slick surface, and initial reports pointed to a partly iced runway as a key factor.

The jet remained upright, and there was no fire, but the incident halted operations on the affected runway.

Emergency response and passenger handling

Emergency crews from the airport and the city rushed to the scene within minutes. Passengers were evacuated using mobile stairs after responders confirmed there was no immediate fuel leak or fire risk.

Some travelers were escorted onto waiting buses and taken to the terminal for medical checks and rebooking. Airport staff reported that most people were able to walk off the aircraft, though several were evaluated for minor complaints such as stress, soreness, or bumps.

Operational impact

Des Moines International Airport temporarily closed the runway where the Delta Air Lines jet came to rest, causing delays and diversions for other flights.

Airport and airline actions included:
– Rerouting some arrivals to nearby airports
– Inspecting pavement, measuring friction levels, and checking lighting and markings
– Adding pressure for travelers making tight connections, including international flights from larger hubs

Official investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) opened an investigation within hours. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy is leading the federal probe, which will focus on:

1. Runway conditions
2. Braking performance
3. The flight crew’s actions during landing

Investigators are expected to:
– Collect data from the aircraft’s flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder
– Review air traffic control recordings
– Study recent weather reports and runway treatment logs

The NTSB’s work will likely include close coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Delta Air Lines, and Des Moines airport officials.

Federal officials will examine whether runway de-icing, pilot briefings, and braking action reports matched the conditions the crew faced during landing.

The FAA, which oversees aviation safety rules in the United States 🇺🇸, provides public information on runway safety and winter operations on its official website at faa.gov.

Airline and airport statements

Airport managers stressed that the incident, while frightening for those on board, ended with what they described as the best possible outcome under the circumstances: everyone survived, and the aircraft did not catch fire.

Delta Air Lines said in initial statements that the airline was cooperating fully with federal investigators and supporting passengers affected by the incident. Typical airline support offered in such cases includes:
– Rebooking affected passengers
– Providing hotel stays when needed
– Assisting with employer, school, or consular communications for missed commitments

Delta is also expected to conduct its own internal review of the landing, the crew’s decision-making, and any technical issues reported by pilots.

Passenger consequences — travel and immigration concerns

Passengers on board faced both the shock of the event and travel disruption, especially those with onward connections. Some travelers were reportedly heading to larger hubs for evening international departures, raising concerns about missed flights, overnight stays, and changes to visa-related timelines.

Immigration-focused travel resources such as VisaVerge.com note that disruptions like this can affect people who must arrive by a certain date to keep status, attend biometrics appointments, or report to a school or employer. While most situations can be resolved later with proof of delay, lawyers often advise passengers to keep:

• Boarding passes
• Delay notices
• Any written confirmations from airlines

These documents can be important when explaining missed arrivals to immigration authorities or employers.

What investigators will review

Investigators will likely:
– Interview pilots, flight attendants, ground staff, and emergency responders
– Review maintenance records for the Boeing 737-900
– Study any previous reports about braking, anti-skid systems, or thrust reversers on that aircraft

While mechanical problems have not been suggested so far, federal teams rarely rule anything out until they have gathered all technical data.

Guidance for travelers after the incident

Travelers passing through Des Moines in the days after the incident can expect possible delays as the airport and airlines adjust schedules and as runway checks continue.

Practical tips for affected passengers:
– Monitor flight status closely
– Allow extra time for connections
– Keep all documentation of delays and rebookings
– Contact consular services or employers if visa or arrival times are affected

People with questions about immigration cases or visa timing often turn to government sources such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the U.S. Department of State for rules on late arrivals, missed interviews, or rescheduling.

Where to find updates

As the NTSB moves ahead with its investigation, updates are expected on its official site at ntsb.gov, where the agency posts briefings, preliminary reports, and final findings.

For the passengers who watched their Delta Air Lines jet leave the pavement and grind to a halt in the frozen ground, the key fact is already clear: they walked away from a winter landing that could have ended far worse.

Quick reference: incident facts

If you need this reorganized for a press release, social post, or brief summary, tell me which format and audience and I’ll tailor it.