Twenty passengers and crew members injured during severe turbulence aboard a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. carrier, alleging the incident could have been prevented despite multiple weather warnings.

The lawsuit relates to Delta Flight 56 on July 30, 2025, when the Airbus A330-900 encountered violent turbulence while cruising at an altitude of 37,000 feet over the U.S. state of Wyoming. The turbulence lasted about two and a half minutes, forcing the aircraft to divert to Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport.

Delta later confirmed that 25 people were taken to hospitals for medical evaluation and treatment following the emergency landing.

Passengers allege preventable negligence

According to the complaint filed in Utah's Third District Court, the flight crew continued toward an area of severe thunderstorms despite forecasts warning of hazardous weather and failed to take reasonable precautions to protect passengers and crew.

The plaintiffs' lawyers argued that Delta had access to weather-monitoring systems capable of identifying dangerous conditions well in advance but failed to respond to multiple warnings issued before and during the flight. They contend that the injuries resulted from preventable operational decisions rather than an unavoidable weather event.

The lawsuit also alleges that the seat belt sign had been turned off shortly before the aircraft entered the turbulent area, allowing cabin service to begin. As the aircraft encountered severe turbulence, passengers who were not wearing seat belts, flight attendants and service carts were thrown violently through the cabin.

Court documents say several passengers suffered concussions, spinal and head injuries, fractures, lacerations and other serious physical trauma.

NTSB investigation continues

A preliminary investigation by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that the aircraft encountered severe turbulence while operating near thunderstorm activity. The report states that the aircraft rolled sharply during the incident and confirms that several cabin crew members sustained serious injuries.

However, the NTSB has not yet released its final report or determined the probable cause of the incident.

The plaintiffs further claim that the flight crew disregarded weather advisories issued by the U.S. National Weather Service, air traffic controllers and pre-flight weather briefings. They also argue that diverting the aircraft to Minneapolis instead of landing at a closer airport unnecessarily delayed medical treatment for injured passengers.

The group is seeking unspecified damages and has requested a jury trial. Delta Air Lines has not yet publicly commented on the lawsuit.(ILKHA)