New Travel Ordeal: Hundreds of Passengers Stranded Overnight, Delta Flights Diverted to Alabama Airport

Published on April 13, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

In an unexpected and frustrating travel ordeal, hundreds of passengers aboard two Delta Airlines flights from Mexico found themselves stranded overnight on their planes after being diverted to a regional airport in Alabama that lacked customs facilities. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, April 10, 2025, is a stark reminder of the logistical challenges airlines face during weather-related diversions.

The Diverted Flights and the Airport’s Limitations

The two Delta flights in question were Flight 1828 from Cabo San Lucas and Flight 599 from Mexico City, both of which were en route to Atlanta. Due to severe weather risks in the Southeast U.S., the flights were rerouted to Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama, which is not equipped with customs facilities to process international passengers. The diversion, which occurred around 10:30 p.m. local time, left nearly 300 passengers with no option but to remain on the planes overnight.

Without customs clearance, the passengers were unable to disembark and were instead confined to their seats aboard the aircrafts. They remained on the tarmac until after 5 a.m. the following morning, when they were finally allowed to enter the terminal. According to Lauren Forbes, a passenger on one of the planes, the situation was exacerbated by the airport’s lack of protocols for handling international arrivals.

Passenger Experiences and Airline Apology

The overnight ordeal prompted Delta Airlines to issue a formal apology to the affected passengers. A Delta spokesperson stated, “We sincerely apologize to our customers for this experience. We fell short of how we aspire to serve and care for our customers amid thunderstorms in the Southeast U.S. Thursday evening.” The airline has also committed to refunds for all affected customers, with representatives reaching out to them directly.

While the passengers waited inside the planes, the Montgomery Regional Airport—which does not have customs services—was unable to assist in clearing the passengers for entry. In an interview with WCVB, Forbes explained the situation, stating that “I guess the law is that if there’s no customs at the airport, you are literally stuck on that airplane.” She emphasized the frustration of being unable to leave the plane despite landing in the United States.

Weather and Operational Challenges

The intense thunderstorms that prompted the diversion were a significant factor in the decision to reroute the flights. The nearby Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, located just over 100 miles away, does have customs facilities, but was deemed an infeasible option due to the weather conditions. The delay in processing international passengers highlighted the challenges airports face during severe weather disruptions, especially when they lack the infrastructure to handle international arrivals.

Despite the inconvenience, flights at Montgomery Regional Airport resumed operations after 4 a.m. the next day, as reported by AL.com.

Impact on Airline Procedures and Future Protocols

This incident sheds light on the importance of having clear operational protocols in place for handling weather-related diversions and international flights. Airlines, airports, and government agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) must coordinate better to ensure that passengers are not left stranded in such circumstances. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and TSA guidelines stress the importance of adequate passenger handling, but unforeseen situations like this underscore the need for contingency plans.

For travelers, this event serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of air travel, especially when weather and logistical challenges disrupt the smooth flow of operations. Passengers are advised to check flight statuses and airport details before traveling to minimize delays and complications during diversions.