Delta Air Lines announced that its Airbus A350-900, which was en route from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), was diverted to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) due to suspected hydraulic failure. The incident occurred as the aircraft was approaching Japanese airspace, approximately 140 nautical miles from the airport.
After receiving an abnormal signal, the crew decided to divert the aircraft to the nearest major airport, Tokyo Haneda, in accordance with safety protocols. The aircraft safely landed on runway 34R at Haneda Airport, where emergency teams conducted initial checks and then transported the plane to a designated area for a more detailed inspection.
After the safe completion of the flight, Delta temporarily halted runway operations, resulting in a flight disruption lasting approximately 30 minutes. Airport personnel reported that the flight was briefly halted while safety precautions were taken. The remainder of the flight was then cancelled, and passengers were provided with alternative travel arrangements.
The hydraulic warning emerged shortly after the aircraft began its long-haul transpacific climb toward the United States. The aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines, had an irregularity in the hydraulic system that could potentially affect flight control behavior, making a route change the safest option.
Tokyo Haneda Airport’s operational capabilities and location made it the most suitable option for the emergency landing. After the incident, the aircraft spent the night at Haneda apron, and maintenance crews prepared the aircraft for further evaluation and eventual return to Seattle.
Delta Air Lines emphasized its utmost attention to such situations and reiterated its commitment to prioritizing passenger safety, while apologizing to passengers for the disruption. The aircraft is approximately seven years old and is equipped with business, premium economy, and economy cabins.
