Delta Air Lines’ A330-900neo Makes Emergency Landing in Detroit After Right Engine Shutdown: Minneapolis to Amsterdam Flight Affected – Full Details!

Published on December 3, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

Delta Air Lines Flight DL162, operated by an Airbus A330-900neo featuring the special “Team USA” livery, was diverted to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) on November 30, 2025, after a precautionary shutdown of the right engine. The flight, which had departed Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) at 18:20 CST, was en route to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) when the engine shutdown occurred approximately one hour into the flight.

What Happened During the Flight?
At 37,000 feet over the Upper Midwest, Delta’s flight crew received an amber caution alert indicating degraded hydraulic pressure in pump 16, a critical component in the engine-driven hydraulic system. Following standard operating procedures, the crew decided to shut down the right engine (No. 2) to prevent further complications, ensuring the safety of the flight. This precautionary move led to a flight diversion to Delta’s hub at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), which is located approximately 45 minutes from the aircraft’s position.

Why Did the Aircraft Divert to Detroit?
The decision to divert the aircraft was made after the crew’s careful evaluation of the hydraulic pressure loss. The Airbus A330-900neo, like all widebody aircraft, is equipped with the ability to continue operating with one engine, a procedure known as Extended Twin-Engine Operations (ETOPS). However, the airline prioritized safety and chose to land at a nearby airport. The aircraft was met by Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) crews upon landing as a precautionary measure. The diversion was smooth, and the aircraft landed safely on Runway 04R at 20:25 CST, 2 hours and 5 minutes after departure.

Where Did the Incident Take Place?
The flight had departed MSP and was en route to AMS when the engine-related issue occurred over the Midwest. The flight diverted to DTW, Delta’s major hub, which is equipped with the necessary infrastructure for handling such emergencies. The aircraft landed safely, and the passengers were deplaned and rebooked on a replacement flight.

When Did the Incident Occur?
Delta Flight DL162 was originally scheduled to depart Minneapolis at 18:20 CST on November 30, 2025. The engine shutdown occurred about an hour into the flight, with the diversion to Detroit happening soon after. The aircraft landed at 20:25 CST, and passengers were promptly deplaned and rebooked on another A330-900neo (N831NW), which departed Detroit later that evening, arriving in Amsterdam on schedule the next morning.

How Was the Situation Handled?
The flight crew followed all established procedures, including declaring an emergency via squawk 7700, which is a standard emergency transponder code. The aircraft made a safe landing at DTW, where it was met by ARFF teams and emergency personnel. No injuries were reported, and passengers described the flight as calm, with the crew maintaining a professional demeanor throughout the ordeal. The airline immediately arranged for a replacement aircraft, ensuring that passengers could continue their journey with minimal delay.

Why Is This Incident Significant?
This event was the second engine-related incident for the specific Airbus A330-900neo (N411DX) within two months, following a similar hydraulic pressure issue on a flight from London Heathrow (LHR) to Boston (BOS) on October 5, 2025. While these issues have been attributed to the Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines’ complex integrated drive generators (IDG), the incidents are not considered systemic. Delta has worked with Airbus and Rolls-Royce to address the problem, and the airline continues to conduct internal reviews to improve its maintenance and monitoring processes.

The flight diversion highlights the importance of proactive safety measures and vigilant monitoring, particularly on high-cycle routes. Aviation analysts point to the need for predictive maintenance and enhanced diagnostics to prevent such incidents. The fact that the aircraft was able to land safely and the situation was handled with precision underscores the importance of safety training and robust operational procedures within Delta Air Lines.

Broader Context and Impact on the Aviation Industry
While Delta has faced several mechanical issues in recent months, including engine shutdowns and flap alerts, the airline maintains a strong safety record and continues to prioritize passenger well-being. This incident underscores the challenges faced by airlines in operating complex, long-haul aircraft, particularly with newer engine technologies. Despite these setbacks, Delta’s on-time performance remains robust, with a solid operational record in November 2025.

The incident also highlights the increasing reliance on predictive maintenance and advanced analytics in the aviation industry. Airlines like United have already implemented AI-driven maintenance trials, which Delta may consider in the future to enhance the efficiency of their fleet operations.

Conclusion
Delta Air Lines’ Flight DL162 diversion to Detroit serves as a reminder of the critical importance of safety and the precision with which modern airlines manage unexpected events. The swift and professional handling of the engine shutdown, combined with Delta’s robust operational procedures, ensured that passengers remained safe and were rebooked without significant delay. The incident also underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining the reliability of complex aviation systems, but it is clear that Delta’s commitment to safety and efficient operations continues to serve its passengers well.

Image: Delta Air Lines