Delta Air Lines Flight Forced to Land in Canada Due to Mechanical Issue
Passengers Stranded in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
A Canadian province known for the warmth and hospitality shown to thousands of airline passengers diverted after the Sept. 11 attacks has again hosted hundreds of surprise visitors — this time, because of what Delta Air Lines described as a “mechanical issue” with one of its planes.
The flight, which left Amsterdam on Sunday afternoon and was bound for Detroit, was forced to land in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, a town in Newfoundland and Labrador, after an engine de-icer malfunctioned, according to Delta Air Lines.
The 270 passengers, three pilots, and seven flight attendants spent the night in an army barracks in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Delta Air Lines sent additional aircraft to transport the passengers to Detroit on Monday.
Passengers described the ordeal on social media, with some waiting for more than 10 hours on the tarmac as weather conditions worsened and they awaited another plane to collect them.
Trevor Wilson, a passenger on the flight, described noticing something was wrong when the flight path on the screen in front of him showed a hairpin turn. Crew members later informed passengers about the de-icer issue. After waiting on the airplane for several hours, passengers were moved to a second plane bound for Detroit. However, due to crew overtime limitations, they were unable to operate the plane legally. Passengers were then provided with pizza and taken to army barracks for the night.
Delta Air Lines worked with officials in Happy Valley-Goose Bay to arrange for food, water, and accommodation for the stranded passengers. The company also stated that it would compensate customers for the inconvenience.
The Federal Aviation Administration has announced that it will investigate the diversion of the flight.
This incident brings back memories of the Sept. 11 attacks when thousands of airline passengers were stranded in Newfoundland and Labrador. Gander, a town in northeastern Newfoundland, became famous for its generosity and hospitality during that time, inspiring the award-winning musical “Come From Away.”
Passenger Trevor Wilson mentioned that he immediately thought of the musical when he learned about the diversion to Canada. He praised the people of Happy Valley-Goose Bay for their kindness and assistance, including helping with transportation and providing hot chocolate.
Despite the challenges faced during this unexpected landing, passengers expressed gratitude for the support they received from the local community.
