A Delta Air Lines flight traveling from Shanghai to Detroit made an emergency landing at Tokyo Haneda Airport due to hydraulic issues affecting the Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The incident took place on November 28, 2019, when the flight, operating as Delta Flight 388, was approximately 140 nautical miles (259 km) north of Tokyo. The captain, prioritizing safety, declared an emergency and diverted to the nearest major airport.
Upon landing at Haneda, emergency response teams were ready for the aircraft’s arrival, ensuring the safety of the passengers and crew. The runway was closed for around 30 minutes to accommodate the emergency landing, during which the aircraft was towed to the gate.
Delta Air Lines operates daily non-stop flights between Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). The typical flight duration is around 13 hours, with a scheduled departure at 17:30 and arrival in Detroit at 18:05 the same day. On this occasion, the aircraft departed Shanghai at 17:46, heading northeast toward the United States.
The crew reported a hydraulic issue shortly after passing Japan, prompting the decision to divert to Tokyo. The aircraft landed safely on Runway 34R, demonstrating the crew’s adherence to safety protocols. A spokesperson for Delta stated, “On November 28, the crew of Delta Flight 388 followed procedures to divert to Tokyo-Haneda after reporting a mechanical issue while en route from Shanghai to Detroit. The aircraft landed safely, and we apologize to our customers for the delay in their travel plans. Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and crew.”
Aircraft Details and Aftermath
The Airbus A350-900 involved in the incident, registered as N512DN, was delivered to Delta in January 2019. With a seating capacity of 306, it features a three-class layout, including 32 Business, 48 Premium Economy, and 226 Economy seats. The aircraft, powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines, was specifically configured for long-haul services, and is one of 38 A350-900s in Delta’s fleet.
After remaining on the apron overnight, the aircraft was repositioned to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. It departed Haneda as flight DL9888 on November 29, taking off at 23:14 and arriving in Seattle at 14:26. Delta subsequently added a corresponding service to Detroit, which arrived at 23:02 that same day.
Hydraulic issues on the Airbus A350, while rare, can pose significant safety risks, potentially leading to uncommanded flight surface movements. This underscores the importance of the crew’s decision to land in Tokyo for further inspection.
Currently, N512DN has returned to regular service, operating flights from Detroit to Seoul and preparing for its next journey from Seoul to Atlanta on December 1. The quick response to the hydraulic issue and the efficient handling of the situation reflect Delta’s commitment to passenger safety and operational integrity.
