Delta Flight Evacuated on Tarmac at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport due to Engine Issue
Delta Air Lines passengers had to evacuate onto the tarmac at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning due to an engine issue amid a winter storm, according to the airline.
Evacuation Procedure
Flight 2668 had 201 passengers onboard, who were evacuated from the plane via emergency slides and taken back to the terminal via ground transportation, officials said.
Causes of Evacuation
The airline did not elaborate on the engine issue, but a winter storm has been plaguing the Atlanta metropolitan area with snow and ice Friday. The National Weather Service warned residents to stay home if they did not need to be out on the roads.
Flight Information
Flight 2668 was meant to depart for Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport at around 7 a.m., according to FlightAware.com. Takeoff was suspended at around 9 a.m., per the Federal Aviation Administration, who told NBC News they will investigate the engine issue.
Airline’s Response
Delta said their flight crew, which included two pilots and five flight attendants, “followed established procedures to suspend the takeoff” of the Boeing 757-300 plane.
“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. “We are working to support our customers and get them to their destinations as safely and quickly as possible.”
Injuries and Airport Operations
Four passengers reported minor injuries, according to a statement from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. One was transported for medical attention and three were treated on the scene.
“Operations at ATL are delayed due to the incident and the ongoing severe weather,” the airport said on Twitter. “The aircraft and the runway are expected to be cleared shortly.”
Severe Weather Across the South
On Friday, 98 million people across the South are under winter weather alerts as a storm brings snow and ice to the region.
The Atlanta metropolitan area is forecast to receive around 1 to 2 inches of snow and 0.10 to 0.25 an inch of ice that can lead to power outages and severely disrupt travel. The mix of ice and snow is expected to stop at around 10 p.m.
Affected Flights and Power Outages
Over 2,600 flights traveling into, out of and within the U.S. have been canceled and more than 2,500 have been delayed as of Friday afternoon, according to FlightAware.com. Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is in the lead, with almost 900 cancelations and more than 430 delays.
More than 4,000 utility customers are without power in Georgia as of Friday afternoon, according to PowerOutage.us.
Conclusion
The evacuation of Flight 2668 on the tarmac at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport was a precautionary measure taken due to an engine issue amid severe weather conditions. While the airline apologized for the inconvenience, passenger safety was prioritized. As the winter storm continues to affect the South, residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid travel unless necessary.
FAQs
Q: Why did Flight 2668 evacuate on the tarmac?
A: The flight was evacuated due to an engine issue amid a winter storm.
Q: How many passengers were on board?
A: 201 passengers were on board.
Q: What were the conditions like at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport?
A: A winter storm with snow and ice was affecting the area, leading to delays and cancellations.
Q: Were there any injuries reported?
A: Four passengers reported minor injuries, with one transported for medical attention and three treated on the scene.
Q: How many flights have been canceled or delayed due to the winter storm?
A: Over 2,600 flights have been canceled, and more than 2,500 have been delayed.
