A Delta Air Lines flight was forced to abort takeoff in Atlanta on Friday morning, leading to an emergency evacuation of more than 200 passengers and crew members via slides during a rare Southern snowstorm. The incident marks another disruption in a day already plagued by widespread weather-related flight cancellations nationwide.
Engine issue triggers emergency response
Delta Flight 2668, bound for Minneapolis-St. Paul from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, suspended its takeoff shortly after 9 a.m. “due to an indication of an engine issue,” according to airline officials. The Boeing 757-300 aircraft was carrying 201 passengers and seven crew members when the incident occurred.
Minor injuries reported
Four passengers sustained minor injuries during the emergency evacuation. Airport authorities confirmed that while three individuals were treated at the scene, one passenger required transportation to a local hospital. The specific nature of the injuries has not been disclosed.
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our people and customers, and we apologize to our customers for their experience,” Delta said in a statement. The airline is currently working to reroute affected passengers to their destinations “as safely and quickly as possible.”
The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the incident.
The emergency occurred as Atlanta experienced its heaviest snowfall in seven years, with approximately 2 inches recorded by noon. The incident, combined with “ongoing severe weather,” has caused significant delays at Hartsfield-Jackson, one of the world’s busiest airports.
Nationwide travel disruption
The winter storm’s impact extends far beyond Atlanta, with more than 2,600 flights canceled across the United States by midday Friday. Major airports in Charlotte, Dallas, and Nashville are also experiencing substantial disruptions as the severe weather system continues to affect Southern states.
The incident adds to growing concerns about aviation safety and winter weather preparedness as extreme weather events become more frequent across the United States.