Delta Flight 5087 Slides Off Runway During Snowstorm at Des Moines Airport— How the Incident Affected Midwest Travel, You Need to Know!

Published on November 30, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

In a dramatic incident at Des Moines International Airport (DSM), Delta Flight 5087, a Delta Connection regional jet operated by Endeavor Air, slid off the runway during landing on November 29, 2025, amid a major winter storm that battered the Midwest. Fortunately, all passengers and crew were evacuated safely, and no injuries were reported. However, the incident has caused significant disruptions, temporarily closing the airport and impacting flight operations through November 30, 2025.

What Happened?

The incident occurred when the Canadair Regional Jet 900 (CRJ-900) aircraft, registration N298PQ, attempted to land on Runway 31 at DSM, during the middle of the winter storm. The storm, which brought heavy snow, gusty winds up to 35 mph, and blowing snow throughout Iowa, created near-blizzard conditions. As the plane touched down, the pilot struggled with reduced visibility and slick runway conditions, leading to the plane sliding off the runway before coming to a stop on the pavement.

The flight had departed from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) at around 19:45 EST and was scheduled to arrive at DSM by 20:47 CST, but the plane landed around 20:25 CST. The slide-off happened just minutes after landing, disrupting normal airport operations.

Who Was Affected?

All 76 passengers and crew members were safely evacuated from the plane onto buses and transported back to the terminal. Despite the scare, eyewitness accounts onboard reported that the situation remained calm and that everyone was fine, alleviating fears of severe injury.

DSM airport, which had recently undergone upgrades, including new de-icing pads, temporarily closed its operations to inspect the scene and clear the runway. This closure lasted until around 2:30 PM CST on November 30, though airport officials are still unsure when full resumption of normal operations will take place. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the incident, with a preliminary report expected in the coming weeks.

When Did the Incident Happen?

The Delta Flight 5087 incident took place on November 29, 2025, during the evening hours when the storm was at its peak in Des Moines. The plane was one of many affected by the severe weather in the Midwest, causing delays and disruptions across various airports in the region. The winter storm had already created dangerous travel conditions, with the forecast predicting 6-12 inches of snow and blizzard-like conditions. The storm continued to impact airports across the Midwest and Great Lakes regions, including Detroit, where the flight originated.

Where Did the Incident Occur?

The slide-off took place at Des Moines International Airport in Des Moines, Iowa. DSM temporarily closed its operations following the incident, which also delayed or rerouted flights to and from the region. DSM is a key hub for the Delta Connection network and serves a significant number of regional flights in the Midwest.

This incident was part of a broader trend of weather-related disruptions across the Midwest, which saw numerous airport closures, ground stops, and delays at other airports, including Minneapolis-St. Paul, Chicago O’Hare, and Detroit Metropolitan.

How Did the Winter Storm Contribute to the Incident?

The winter storm that gripped Iowa and much of the Midwest in late November 2025 was part of a larger weather system that caused major travel disruptions. Moderate to heavy snow, combined with gusty winds, created hazardous conditions for aviation. The storm’s impact on Des Moines was compounded by poor visibility and slippery runway surfaces, making it difficult for pilots to execute safe landings.

While DSM had recently completed airport upgrades, including improved de-icing pads to enhance its winter operations, it is unclear if these systems were utilized at the time of the incident or if they played a role in mitigating the severity of the situation

What Is Being Done Now?

Following the incident, DSM remained temporarily closed for inspections, and air traffic control in the region coordinated to handle rerouted flights. NTSB officials are conducting a thorough investigation, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is monitoring the situation to ensure the airport meets safety standards before it fully reopens. The aircraft involved in the incident remained on-site while awaiting clearance for removal.

Travelers impacted by the storm are advised to stay updated through official channels, including DSM airport and FAA websites, for real-time updates on delays and airport operations.

How Are Travel Disruptions Impacting the Region?

The storm’s impact is far-reaching, causing widespread delays and cancellations at airports across the Midwest. In addition to DSM, Detroit, Chicago, and Minneapolis were all grappling with weather-related travel disruptions. The incident with Delta Flight 5087 highlights the broader challenges facing air travel during winter storms, especially in regions prone to heavy snow and extreme weather conditions.

The disruptions caused by the storm serve as a reminder of the importance of weather preparedness in aviation operations, particularly during peak travel times like the post-Thanksgiving holiday period. The ongoing recovery from the incident underscores the need for travelers to plan accordingly, check flight statuses, and be prepared for delays during winter travel.

Key Facts About Delta Flight 5087 Incident

Conclusion:

The slide-off of Delta Flight 5087 at Des Moines International Airport serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that winter storms can present to aviation. While all passengers and crew were safely evacuated and no injuries were reported, the incident caused significant disruptions to airport operations in Des Moines and the surrounding region. The NTSB and FAA are investigating the cause, while weather-related delays continue to affect the broader Midwest area. Travelers are encouraged to monitor official sources for updates as the investigation unfolds and as airports work to resume normal operations.

Image Delta Air Lines