Yesterday, a Delta Air Lines Airbus A321 flying from New York to Orlando was diverted to Norfolk International Airport (ORF) due to a suspected fuel leak, according to 10 WAVY Norfolk news. The aircraft, carrying approximately 200 passengers, landed safely in Norfolk where it was grounded for about 10 hours before continuing its journey to Orlando.
Delta confirmed the diversion was prompted by a “possible maintenance issue,” with a Norfolk airport spokesperson later identifying it as a suspected fuel leak. The Airbus A321, registered N355DN, is around seven years old and remains active in Delta’s fleet.
Flight Details and Diversion Timeline
FlightAware data shows Delta flight 1622 departed JFK Airport at 11:27 EDT, scheduled to reach Orlando International Airport (MCO) around 14:00–14:30 EDT. However, the flight diverted after covering about 251.6 nautical miles (466 km), landing at Norfolk at 14:36 EDT. After maintenance checks, the aircraft departed Norfolk at 22:44 EDT, arriving in New York just after midnight.
Passengers safely disembarked in Norfolk, with the plane inspected on-site. While Delta initially expected the aircraft to resume flight around 20:00 EDT, it was delayed by several hours, suggesting the issue required more extensive repairs than anticipated.
Context and Similar Incidents
This event recalls a fuel leak incident in October 2023 involving an Air France Airbus A321, where a heavy fuel leak was discovered on the ground before departure, prompting evacuation. In contrast, Delta’s suspected leak may have occurred mid-flight, similar to a 2022 Alaska Airlines incident where a Boeing 737 experienced a mid-air fuel leak and safely diverted.
Although details remain limited, these cases highlight the critical importance of prompt diversion and maintenance to ensure passenger safety when fuel leaks are suspected in flight.
Passengers affected by the Delta diversion were likely accommodated with refunds or alternative routing, though no official compensation details have been announced.
