A winter storm exposed critical safety gaps at regional airports across America when a Delta Connection aircraft slid off an icy runway at Des Moines International Airport. Despite the harrowing runway excursion incident, all 58 passengers and crew evacuated safely with no injuries. The incident prompted a temporary closure of the airport and triggered a widespread regional emergency response, highlighting the significant risks posed by inadequate winter weather preparedness.
Story Highlights
- Delta Connection CRJ-900 slides off runway during winter storm landing at Des Moines International Airport.
- All 58 passengers and crew evacuated safely with no injuries reported.
- Airport temporarily closed but reopened after runway assessment and clearance operations.
- Winter storm caused dozens of flight cancellations and widespread regional disruptions.
Aircraft Slides Off Icy Runway During Storm Landing
Delta Connection Flight operating a CRJ-900 regional jet departed the runway surface at Des Moines International Airport on November 29, 2025, at approximately 10:00 PM during active winter storm conditions. The aircraft lost traction upon landing on the ice-covered runway, sliding off the paved surface in what aviation specialists classify as a runway excursion incident. Despite the dramatic nature of the incident, all passengers and crew members evacuated safely without injuries, demonstrating effective emergency response protocols.
The successful evacuation involved approximately 58 individuals, including 54 passengers, two pilots, and two flight attendants aboard the regional aircraft. Emergency response teams immediately coordinated passenger evacuation procedures while airport authorities assessed runway conditions and aircraft positioning. The incident occurred during peak winter storm activity that significantly impacted visibility and runway surface conditions throughout the evening hours.
A mesmerizing scene of snow and strong winds was captured by a passenger on a flight in Des Moines, Iowa, after the aircraft reportedly skidded off the runway due to icy conditions.#Iowa #airport #snow #windy #SevereWx #FoxWeather pic.twitter.com/YqR5CVDCCa
— FOX Weather (@foxweather) November 30, 2025
Airport Operations Disrupted by Winter Weather Emergency
Des Moines International Airport authorities temporarily closed the facility following the runway incident to conduct safety assessments and aircraft removal operations. The closure affected dozens of scheduled flights, causing widespread cancellations and delays for both departing and arriving aircraft during the peak winter storm period. Airport officials prioritized safety protocols over operational continuity, implementing comprehensive runway inspection procedures before authorizing resumed operations.
The airport successfully reopened after completing runway clearance and safety assessment protocols, indicating minimal infrastructure damage from the incident. Regional aviation operations faced significant challenges as winter weather conditions created hazardous flying conditions throughout central Iowa. The relatively quick operational recovery demonstrates effective airport emergency management procedures and winter weather preparedness protocols at the regional facility.
Regional Storm Triggers Widespread Emergency Response
The winter storm that caused the runway incident prompted comprehensive emergency responses across the Des Moines region. Municipal authorities activated snow removal operations beginning at 10:00 PM on November 29, implementing overnight street clearing procedures and alternating side parking restrictions in residential areas. Polk County activated extreme temperature emergency plans, opening warming centers at 6:00 AM on November 30 with free DART bus transportation to assist vulnerable populations.
Iowa State University and Drake University canceled classes on November 30 to ensure student safety during hazardous travel conditions. The storm’s severity prompted institutional closures including Blank Park Zoo, while homeless shelters expanded capacity to accommodate increased demand during the winter emergency. These coordinated responses highlight the storm’s significant impact on community infrastructure and public safety across central Iowa.
Watch the report: Delta plane slides off runway at Des Moines International Airport
Sources:
Des Moines airport closed after Delta plane slides off runway
Delta Connection CRJ-900 slides off runway Des Moines
