On January 27, 2025, a Delta Air Lines (DL) flight from Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) made an unexpected return shortly after takeoff due to flight control issues. The incident, involving an Airbus A330-900, ended safely, and no injuries were reported.
Delta Flight DL121 Returns to Minneapolis
Delta Air Lines flight DL121 took off from Minneapolis at 5:30 PM UTC. Not long after leaving the airport, the flight crew noticed issues with the plane’s flight controls. They quickly requested to descend to 5,000 feet, hoping to maintain better visibility and minimize risks while assessing the problem.
As the crew investigated further, they asked air traffic control for a second descent to 4,000 feet. Throughout the situation, the aircraft remained stable and under full control. After evaluating the issue, the pilots made the decision to return to Minneapolis for a precautionary landing.
The Airbus A330-900, identified as N410DZ and powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, landed safely at 6:36 PM UTC on runway 30L, just 65 minutes after takeoff. At the time of the incident, the aircraft was only 3.8 years old.
Similar Delta Air Lines Incident Earlier This Month
A similar problem occurred earlier in January when Delta flight DL105, also operated by an Airbus A330neo, experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The flight, bound for Sao Paulo, departed on January 1, 2025, at 11:31 PM UTC but faced an emergency when the left engine caught fire at an altitude of 4,725 feet.
Despite the dangerous situation, the crew did not declare an official emergency. Instead, they acted swiftly and returned to the Atlanta airport, where the aircraft performed a heavy landing at 12:07 AM UTC. Emergency response teams were on-site to cool the brakes, which had overheated due to the abrupt landing and insufficient fuel burn time.
The aircraft involved, registered as N408DX, was a 4.3-year-old Airbus A330-941 powered by the same Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. A total of 257 passengers were onboard, and fortunately, no injuries occurred. Delta arranged for a replacement aircraft, and although the passengers faced a five-hour delay, they eventually reached their destination safely.
Witness footage of the Atlanta incident, captured by a pedestrian, showed flames erupting from the engine before the fire extinguished itself. Delta issued a public apology and praised the crew’s quick response.
Both incidents highlight Delta’s focus on safety and the professionalism of its flight crews during emergencies. With modern aircraft like the Airbus A330-900 and extensive emergency protocols, Delta Air Lines successfully managed to prevent any serious outcomes.
Despite the challenges, passengers were kept safe and were provided alternative travel arrangements when necessary. These incidents underline the importance of strict maintenance checks, robust emergency response systems, and pilot readiness in commercial aviation.
