What was supposed to be a routine transatlantic flight from Madrid to New York turned into a surprise detour to a tiny volcanic island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.
A Delta Air Lines aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing after engine trouble struck midair, prompting a quick decision to divert and land safely.
Midair Engine Trouble Forces Emergency Landing
The Delta Airbus A330 had just taken off from Madrid, heading toward JFK Airport in New York, when it encountered mechanical issues with one of its engines.
Rather than risk continuing across the ocean, the crew made the call to land at the nearest suitable airport—Lajes Airport on Terceira Island, part of Portugal’s remote Azores archipelago.
It’s not exactly the typical layover travelers dream of.
Terceira is a quiet, volcanic island that’s part of a nine-island chain located far off the Portuguese coast.
Everyone Onboard Safely Escaped the Scare
Thankfully, all 282 passengers and 13 crew members made it through the ordeal without injury.
Delta issued a statement shortly afterward, emphasizing that safety is always the top priority.
“As safety comes before all else at Delta, the flight crew followed procedures to divert to Lajes after indication of a mechanical issue with an engine,” the airline said in a statement to FOX Business.
The flight landed without incident, and passengers were quickly taken off the plane.
But the journey wasn’t quite over yet.
Hotel Rooms, Delays, and a New Plane Home
With their flight plans thrown off, Delta provided hotel accommodations on the island for everyone affected.
A replacement aircraft was flown in, and passengers finally made it to New York late the next evening.
Meanwhile, maintenance teams remain in the Azores, working to assess and repair the troubled aircraft.
Delta has continued to reach out to passengers individually, offering apologies and compensation for the unexpected disruption.
Aviation Accidents on the Rise in 2025
This isn’t an isolated case. The aviation industry has been under intense scrutiny throughout 2025, with a noticeable uptick in serious incidents.
The most devastating so far happened back in January, when an American Airlines jet tragically collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter.
That crash claimed the lives of all 64 people on the commercial flight and the three crew members on the helicopter.
Delta’s Last Major Scare Happened in Toronto
Delta, too, has had its fair share of trouble this year.
Just a few months ago in February, one of its planes flipped upside down during a landing in Toronto.
Fierce winds and icy runway conditions following a snowstorm caused the aircraft to crash land, forcing terrified passengers to evacuate from a smoking wreck.
That incident left 18 people with minor injuries, but it could have been far worse.
What Comes Next for the Airline?
While the latest emergency landing had a safe outcome, it adds to the growing concerns many travelers have had this year.
From engine issues to extreme weather landings, passengers are understandably nervous—and airlines like Delta are under pressure to show they’re doing everything possible to maintain safety and restore confidence.
For the travelers who landed unexpectedly on Terceira Island, it’s a story they’ll never forget.
And for Delta, it’s another reminder of how quickly things can change at 35,000 feet.