A Delta Air Lines flight bound for Honolulu, Hawaii was forced to return to Salt Lake City after experiencing an engine performance issue, according to a statement from the airline.
The aircraft, operating as Flight 316, departed from Salt Lake City International Airport on February 27. Shortly after takeoff, the flight crew detected an issue with one of the plane’s two engines and made the decision to turn back. Following standard safety procedures, an emergency was declared with Air Traffic Control to ensure priority landing.
The flight carried 216 passengers, along with two pilots and seven flight attendants. It took off at 11:56 a.m. and safely landed back in Salt Lake City at 1:31 p.m., proceeding directly to an arrival gate.
Delta’s maintenance team is now inspecting the aircraft to determine the cause of the issue. Meanwhile, airline representatives are assisting affected travelers by arranging alternative flights or rebooking them to reach their destinations.
“Safety is always our top priority,” a Delta spokesperson stated. “Our flight crew took the necessary steps to address the engine issue and ensure the well-being of everyone on board. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our customers.”
