Passenger's Relief After Scary Delta Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Iceland

December 24, 2025 at 11:55 AM•3 min read

[Delta Air Lines] flight DL45 was diverted to [Keflavík International Airport] after a reported engine issue, safely landing 208 passengers and

Key Points

1Delta Air Lines Flight DL45, a transatlantic service, was diverted to Iceland.
2The Boeing 767-300 aircraft reported an engine issue, forcing the unscheduled landing at Keflavík International Airport (KEF).
3All 208 passengers and crew landed safely, highlighting the effectiveness of ETOPS and emergency diversion protocols.

A recent viral TikTok flight experience has highlighted the critical role of aviation safety protocols during unexpected in-flight events. The incident involved a Delta Air Lines transatlantic flight diversion. [Delta Air Lines] flight DL45 was traveling from Dublin (DUB) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York.

Incident Details

The flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Iceland after a technical malfunction. The aircraft, a Boeing 767, reportedly experienced an engine issue mid-flight.

Passenger Lohanny Santos documented the scary flight experience on TikTok. She recounted the left engine going out and cabin screens going dark. This lack of immediate crew communication reportedly caused passenger panic. The crew ultimately diverted the flight to Keflavík International Airport (KEF).

Delta confirmed that the crew followed standard operating procedures. The diversion was executed after the crew reported an engine issue. Emergency teams were mobilized at the airport as a precaution. All 208 passengers landed safely and were provided accommodation.

Commercial Aviation Safety and Protocol

This event underscores the importance of commercial aviation safety and training. Pilots are highly trained for a single-engine operation. Modern twin-engine aircraft, like the [Boeing 767], are certified for extended-range twin-engine operational performance standards (ETOPS). This means they can fly safely for long periods on one engine.

Unscheduled landing procedures are a standard part of flight operations. The diversion to Iceland is a textbook example of this protocol. It prioritizes passenger and crew safety above all else. Aviation regulators like the FAA and EASA mandate rigorous maintenance checks. These checks are designed to prevent such technical difficulties.

Crew Communication and Passenger Well-being

The passenger's account highlighted the impact of crew communication protocols. A lack of immediate updates can increase passenger anxiety. Passenger well-being post-incident is a key focus for airlines. The quote, "I am so happy to be on land," reflects the intense relief felt by those onboard.

This incident, while stressful, ultimately demonstrates the robustness of the system. The successful Delta Air Lines emergency landing shows that safety systems work as designed. It also offers a point of discussion for improving crew communication during non-routine events. For more commercial aviation news and analysis, visit flying.flights.

The successful landing is a testament to pilot training and aircraft design.
Airlines continuously review and refine their emergency communication strategies.
Technical issues, though rare, trigger a chain of safety protocols that ensure safe outcomes.