A Delta Air Lines flight was forced to make an emergency landing at Tokyo Haneda Airport on November 28, 2023, after experiencing hydraulic issues mid-flight. The Airbus A350-900, operating as Delta Flight 388, was en route from Shanghai to Detroit when the crew decided to divert to Japan, prioritizing passenger safety.
The incident occurred approximately 140 nautical miles (259 km) north of Tokyo. The captain declared an emergency landing, prompting the temporary closure of the runway at Haneda Airport. Upon arrival, emergency services were on standby to assist as the aircraft landed safely on Runway 34R.
Flight Details and Impact on Passengers
Delta Flight 388 had initially departed from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) at 17:46 local time, with a scheduled flight time of around 13 hours. The flight was expected to arrive in Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) at 18:05 the same day. Following the emergency landing, the aircraft was towed to the gate after approximately 30 minutes on the runway.
In a statement regarding the incident, a Delta Air Lines spokesperson said, “On November 28, the crew of Delta Flight 388 followed procedures to divert to Tokyo-Haneda after reporting a mechanical issue while en route from Shanghai to Detroit. The aircraft landed safely, and we apologize to our customers for the delay in their travel plans. Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and crew.”
The remainder of the flight was subsequently cancelled, leaving passengers stranded in Japan. According to Flightradar24, the aircraft, registered as N512DN, remained on the apron overnight before being repositioned to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport the following day.
Aircraft Specifications and Safety Measures
The Airbus A350-900 involved in the incident, registration N512DN, was delivered to Delta in January 2019. It features a three-class configuration, accommodating 32 Business, 48 Premium Economy, and 226 Economy class seats. The aircraft is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines and has been a part of Delta’s long-haul fleet since its delivery.
Hydraulic issues on the Airbus A350 are uncommon but can pose serious safety risks, potentially leading to uncommanded movements of flight surfaces. This prompted the crew’s decision to divert to Tokyo for further inspection.
The aircraft departed Haneda as DL9888 on November 29, 2023, at 23:14 and arrived in Seattle at 14:26 on the same day. A corresponding service was then added to Detroit, arriving at 23:02. Since the incident, the A350 has returned to regular service, operating a flight from Detroit to Seoul on November 30, 2023.
Delta Air Lines operates a daily non-stop service between Shanghai and Detroit, reflecting the importance of this route in connecting major international cities. The airline has a total of 38 A350-900 aircraft in its fleet, with plans to welcome additional models in the future.
As investigations continue into the hydraulic issue that prompted the emergency landing, Delta Air Lines remains committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of its passengers, reinforcing the airline’s focus on operational integrity.
