Passengers heading to Detroit found themselves in an unexpected overnight stay at a remote Canadian military base after a Delta Air Lines flight encountered mechanical issues, the airline confirmed.
Delta Flight 135, carrying 270 passengers, three pilots, and seven flight attendants from Amsterdam to the US, made an unplanned stop at Happy Valley-Goose Bay in Newfoundland and Labrador due to cautionary reasons, as stated by Delta in a release.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the Airbus 330’s pilot signalled problems with deicing equipment, prompting the diversion to Happy Valley-Goose Bay Airport around 3:15 p.m. local time. An investigation by the FAA is underway to delve into the incident further.
Delta clarified that adverse weather and runway conditions at Goose Bay Airport affected crew duty schedules, leading to the airport temporarily suspending operations. Consequently, the passengers spent Sunday night in military barracks in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, a community with approximately 8,000 residents in Central Labrador. The Goose Bay Airfield serves both military and civilian flights, boasting two major runways.
Working alongside local authorities, Delta ensured that passengers were provided with food and accommodations. While Delta mentioned compensating affected travellers, they refrained from disclosing specific details.
To alleviate the inconvenience caused, Delta dispatched additional aircraft to transport passengers to their final destination on Monday, offering apologies to those affected by the disruption.
