Delta Rolls Out New Routes and Sustainability Push Amid In-Flight Emergency

Lead Delta Air Lines today launched nonstop service between St. Louis and New York’s JFK, received its first commercial-scale sustainable aviation fuel delivery at Portland International Airport, and managed an in-flight emergency diversion of flight DL161 to Amsterdam Schiphol on September 8, 2025.

Nut Graf The carrier’s expansion into St. Louis-JFK service underscores its network growth strategy, while the SAF uplift at PDX highlights Delta’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Simultaneously, the safe return of flight DL161 after pilots declared an emergency demonstrates the airline’s robust safety protocols.

Operational Expansion: STL-JFK Nonstop Service

  • Beginning today, Delta operates daily flights between St. Louis Lambert International (STL) and John F. Kennedy International (JFK), with departures from JFK at 2:59 p.m. arriving STL at 4:49 p.m., and return service at 4:20 p.m. arriving JFK at 8:00 p.m..
  • This reinstates a route last served by Delta in 2015, offering STL travelers seamless access to Delta’s global hub and rapid AirTrain connections into Manhattan.

Sustainability Initiative: SAF Delivery at PDX

  • Delta received over 400,000 gallons of blended sustainable aviation fuel at Portland International Airport today, supplied by Shell and blended with conventional jet fuel via barge, truck, and pipeline.
  • The first commercial-scale SAF uplift at PDX is expected to improve local air quality and cut greenhouse gas emissions, though the airline cautioned that global SAF supply remains limited and costly.

Safety in Action: Flight DL161 Diverts to AMS

  • Delta flight DL161, an Airbus A350 bound for Minneapolis from Amsterdam, declared an emergency 45 minutes after departure and returned safely to Schiphol Airport, touching down on runway 18C at 12:09 CEST.
  • All passengers deplaned without incident and were accommodated on subsequent services, illustrating Delta’s rigorous emergency response and passenger care procedures.

Subheadings

  • Route Launch: St. Louis-JFK Flights Resume After a Decade
  • Green Fuel: PDX Sees First Commercial-Scale SAF Uptake
  • Emergency Return: DL161’s Swift Diversion and Landing

Bullet Points for Quick Scanning

  • Daily STL-JFK service enhances Midwest connectivity and international options
  • 400,000+ gallons of SAF delivered to PDX to reduce emissions
  • Airbus A350 flight DL161 declares squawk 7700 and lands safely at AMS

The convergence of network growth, environmental leadership, and in-flight safety underscores Delta’s multifaceted approach to modern aviation challenges.