Delta flight fails second takeoff at Saskatoon airport

Passengers on the Delta flight out of Saskatoon that slid off the runway spent Friday night in the city after another issue caused further delays.

Their initial flight to Minneapolis on Friday morning was delayed after sliding off the runway during freezing rain. After waiting about 10 hours, it made a second attempt late Friday afternoon.

Scott Jenkins and his family were on board and thought they were in the clear after the pilot safely navigated to the runway, speeding down for takeoff.

“I heard like a bang and then he hammered on the brakes and just kind of came almost to a complete stop. Then we just sat on the side of the runway and waited for instructions,” said Jenkins.

Jenkins estimated they were travelling at about “half-speed” before he heard the noise. He thought it sounded like a tire popped but didn’t see anything to prove that.

They went back to the terminal and spent two to three hours in a line as everyone tried to reschedule their flights. The next available flight was not until Saturday at 4:15 p.m.

Jenkins said the ordeal has taken two days out of his 10 day Christmas vacation to Kansas City to visit family.

“My brother-in-law and sister-in-law actually drive to Kansas and they’re going to beat us there,” said Jenkins.

After two failed take offs and 14 hour day in Saskatoon airport with two children @delta has offered us $75 reimbursement and a flight leaving tomorow at 430! What joke of a company! I will not fly with you ever again! Thanks for taking 2 days off our vacation! @CKOMNews

— Scott Jenkins (@scottjenkins10) December 22, 2018

Pizza was ordered for passengers between the first and second failed departures but Jenkins said it wasn’t communicated to everyone and his family bought lunch without knowing pizza was soon to arrive.

In an email, Delta confirmed a goodwill gesture was offered to customers. Jenkins tweeted he was offered a $75 reimbursement after the second failed attempt.

650 CKOM has placed a call with the airport and is awaiting more information on what led to the second failed departure.

With files from Jessie Anton