Delta Flight Evacuated Using Emergency Slides After Engine Issue in Snowy Atlanta
On January 10, 2025, a Delta Air Lines flight made headlines when an emergency evacuation unfolded at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The flight, bound for Minneapolis-St. Paul, was forced to abort its takeoff due to a reported engine issue. As snow blanketed the region, more than 200 passengers, including flight crew, found themselves exiting the Boeing 757 via emergency inflatable slides, a dramatic scene captured by those aboard.
The incident occurred in the morning, as the aircraft was preparing for its journey, when a malfunction with the engine prompted the flight crew to take immediate action and suspend the takeoff. Passengers reported seeing smoke and, in some cases, flames from the engine. Curtis James, a passenger, described the alarming situation saying, "On takeoff, something went wrong and the engine caught fire. We had to emergency evacuate the plane."
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While Delta confirmed that the emergency was triggered by an engine issue, the exact cause remains under investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since acknowledged the event, noting the plane was evacuated safely, with four passengers sustaining minor injuries. One person was transported to a hospital for further treatment, while three others were treated at the scene.
In a video shared by Allison Wade, another passenger, smoke can be seen billowing from the plane as evacuees were gathered on the snowy tarmac. Wade expressed the confusion of the moment, saying, "We’re standing out here in the snow," adding a surreal touch to an already harrowing experience.
While Delta Air Lines followed standard emergency procedures, evacuating the passengers onto the tarmac, the airport was already experiencing significant delays due to severe winter weather affecting the region. More than 400 flights were canceled at the airport, and nationwide, over 2,500 flights faced disruptions. The snowstorm had caused major disruptions throughout the Southern U.S., affecting travel in states like Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas, and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
The airport authorities worked swiftly to clear the scene, and the evacuees were later transported to the terminal. However, this incident highlights the dangers that can arise from unexpected aircraft issues, even under snowy conditions. Delta has reassured customers that their safety remains the top priority and expressed regret over the experience. They are working to support those affected and ensure that passengers reach their destinations as soon as possible.
As investigations continue, the National Transportation Safety Board is keeping a close watch on the event. With the winter storm still ongoing, the incident adds to the growing list of challenges for travelers in the South, where extreme weather has created hazardous conditions on the ground and in the air.
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