United States Aviation Update: Delta Flight With 56 Passengers Slides Off Runway at Des Moines During Winter Weather Conditions

Published on December 2, 2025

A winter evening at Des Moines International Airport in the United States turned tense when a Delta Flight operated by Endeavor Air slid off Runway 31 during landing amid active snowfall. The regional jet, a Bombardier CRJ-900, had arrived from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, carrying a total of 56 passengers and crew. Although no injuries were reported, the incident resulted in an immediate suspension of airport operations so that ground teams and investigators could safely access the site. The aircraft was left positioned off the runway until clearance could be issued by the National Transportation Safety Board, which began a formal inquiry into the event.
In the world of travel and tourism, winter weather often disrupts schedules, slows operations, and challenges even the most prepared aviation hubs across the United States. This runway slide highlighted once again how snow, low visibility, and icy surfaces create difficulties for both airlines and airports that work tirelessly to uphold safety standards. As passengers were escorted safely to the terminal, the incident underscored the essential role of winter operations planning, de-icing strategies, and timely communication in maintaining a smooth travel experience during challenging conditions.

Delta CRJ-900 Slides Off Runway in the United States

A Snow-Covered Landing in Des Moines

The runway slide occurred during nighttime hours as snowfall continued across Des Moines International Airport. The Bombardier CRJ-900, a 12-year-old aircraft operated under the Delta Connection brand by Endeavor Air, had been completing its route from Detroit. When the landing roll was underway, the aircraft veered off Runway 31 due to the slick surface and reduced visibility typical of winter storms in the central United States.

It was reported by local radio that the runway conditions had been affected by continuous snowfall. Even with experienced crews and winter-ready aircraft, braking effectiveness on icy surfaces can be compromised, resulting in incidents such as runway excursions.

Safe Evacuation and Passenger Handling

Despite the unexpected event, the response was orderly. Passengers remained unharmed and were escorted from the aircraft by ground teams. Buses were deployed to transport travelers to the terminal building, ensuring that they remained sheltered from the harsh outdoor weather. For many passengers, this sudden shift from anticipation of arrival to a carefully coordinated evacuation was a reminder of how weather can alter travel plans without warning.

Flight History and Operational Context

It was noted that the flight had arrived slightly behind schedule with a delay of just over 30 minutes. The aircraft had already completed its sixth flight of the day, a typical pattern for regional jets that operate intensively across domestic networks in the United States. Operations of this nature often involve landing at multiple airports with varying weather conditions, especially during winter.

As soon as the aircraft came to rest off the runway, airport authorities initiated standard emergency procedures. Operations were suspended to secure the area and prevent further complications while awaiting the arrival of investigators.

Investigation and Aircraft Status

NTSB Oversight and Ground Clearance

According to airport officials, the aircraft would remain in place until a formal release was issued by the National Transportation Safety Board. This is a standard requirement when an aircraft is involved in any operational safety event. The grounding ensures that investigators can access the site without disturbance to assess surface conditions, mechanical components, and flight data.

The spokesperson emphasized that relocation would only be possible after the NTSB’s onsite activities were completed, ensuring that no critical evidence would be compromised.

Awaiting Comments and Operational Planning

A request was made to Delta Air Lines regarding the condition of the aircraft and potential operational impacts on subsequent flights. Further updates were expected, and travelers using the Des Moines and Detroit routes were advised to monitor scheduled departures in case of additional weather-related adjustments.

Aircraft Configuration and Passenger Capacity

Layout of the CRJ-900

The Bombardier CRJ-900 involved in the incident had been serving Delta’s regional network since its delivery to Endeavor Air in December 2012. The aircraft type is widely used across the United States for short-haul and medium-haul routes.

The CRJ-900 is typically configured with 70 to 76 seats. Delta First features 12 premium seats, while Delta Comfort includes 20 seats for enhanced legroom. The main cabin holds between 38 and 44 seats depending on the selected configuration. Information shared earlier indicated that 56 individuals were onboard, including both passengers and the flight crew.

Environmental Conditions at the Time

The incident took place at around 21:29 local time, when darkness and winter weather combined to create low-visibility conditions. Such environments challenge flight crews during landing, even when using sophisticated navigation aids and de-icing protocols.

Winter Weather and Its Impact on Air Travel

Recurring Aviation Challenges in the United States

Airports across the United States face seasonal obstacles due to snow and ice accumulation. Runways must be regularly treated to maintain braking action, and de-icing procedures must be applied to aircraft surfaces. Without these precautions, lift can be reduced and flight stability compromised.

Runway closures, delays, and cancellations are common outcomes of winter storms. A recent weather event at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport illustrated these challenges, where seven inches of snow led to over 70 canceled flights within a 24-hour period. That event also prompted major investment in snow-removal vehicles, illustrating how consistently winter weather affects air travel reliability.

Safety as the Defining Operational Priority

Airports and airlines maintain safety as their central priority. When weather risks exceed operational limits, temporary suspensions become unavoidable. These pauses allow staff to clear runways, treat aircraft surfaces, and reassess conditions.

The Des Moines incident demonstrated how such decisions are made to protect travelers, crew, and operational teams, ensuring that travel across the United States remains safe even in unfavorable winter weather.