A Milan-bound Delta Air Lines flight was forced to make an emergency diversion to Paris early Tuesday morning after the flight crew declared an inflight emergency over French airspace.
PARIS — Delta flight DL286, an Airbus A330-300, had departed New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 4:28 PM EDT. The aircraft was on a scheduled seven-hour transatlantic journey to Milan, Italy.
Mid-Air Emergency Over France
The flight crossed the Atlantic Ocean uneventfully, cruising at altitudes between 35,000 and 37,000 feet. However, shortly after entering French airspace, the flight crew issued a Squawk 7700, the international radio code when a loud sound was heard by the passengers from an engine and all lights went off.
Flight tracking data shows the 18-year-old aircraft (registration N818NW) quickly altered its course, executing a sharp left turn toward the French capital.
The aircraft initiated a safe descent and landed at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 6:23 AM local time on Tuesday. Emergency ground crews met the aircraft upon arrival, which is standard protocol when a 7700 code is transmitted.
Flight Status and Next Steps
Delta Air Lines has since confirmed the diversion, though the airline has not yet specified the exact nature of the engine issue.
Official Update: Delta has confirmed that the flight is currently scheduled to resume its journey to Milan. The rescheduled departure from Paris Charles de Gaulle is set for 12:35 PM local time.
Affected travelers are being accommodated at the airport while the airline staff is inspecting the aircraft which is parked at remote stand of the airport.
