Twenty passengers are suing Delta Air Lines following a turbulent flight that resulted in over two dozen individuals, including passengers and crew, being hospitalized. The incident took place during a journey from Salt Lake City International Airport to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport when the aircraft encountered severe turbulence over Wyoming on July 30, 2025, leading to an emergency landing in Minnesota.
After the plane landed, 25 people were taken to hospitals for treatment as confirmed by Delta Air Lines. The lawsuit filed by the passengers alleges that the pilots flew dangerously close to a thunderstorm, causing the turbulence that affected the aircraft. According to the lawsuit filed in Utah’s 3rd District Court, the flight crew had received warnings about hazardous weather conditions but chose to continue on their planned route despite the risks.
The passengers claim they experienced “2.5 minutes of terror” due to the turbulence, resulting in injuries to both passengers and crew. The lawsuit accuses the airline of disregarding warnings and failing to take necessary precautions to avoid the severe weather. The Aviation Law Group described a chaotic scene inside the cabin, with passengers and objects being thrown around, causing various injuries ranging from head trauma to broken bones and lasting psychological effects.
While the National Transportation Safety Board found that the pilots were surprised by the storm as the seatbelt sign was not illuminated, the complainants argue that the National Weather Service had issued warnings about severe weather along the flight path. The lawsuit questions the pilots’ decision to continue through the storm despite the availability of alternative routes taken by other planes and criticizes the choice to divert to Minnesota instead of a closer airport, adding unnecessary time to the distressing situation.
The passengers are seeking compensation and a trial for the damages incurred during the turbulent flight. Delta Air Lines has been requested to provide a comment on the matter.