A Delta AirLines flight preparing for takeoff from Orlando International Airport experienced a frightening incident on Monday morning when one of its engines caught fire. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Delta AirLines Flight 1213, bound for Atlanta, was pushing back from the gate at approximately 11:15 a.m. local time when the fire broke out.
The aircraft involved, an Airbus A330, was carrying 282 passengers, 10 flight attendants, and two pilots. Witnesses reported seeing flames emanating from the tailpipe of one of the plane’s two engines, prompting the crew to initiate an immediate evacuation using emergency slides. Airport authorities swiftly responded, and the fire was contained shortly afterward, with no initial reports of injuries.
Swift Evacuation and Emergency Response
Passengers were ordered to evacuate the plane using the emergency slides as smoke and flames became visible. Videos posted by travelers on social media showed a rapid yet orderly evacuation, with emergency crews arriving within minutes. Many passengers described the scene as chaotic but praised the professionalism of the flight attendants in guiding them to safety.
An Orlando International Airport spokesperson confirmed that the fire was quickly extinguished by airport fire crews. “The fire was contained and is out,” the spokesperson said, emphasizing that the swift response minimized further risks. Once evacuated, passengers were directed back to the terminal to await further arrangements from Delta Air Lines.
Delta Airlines Apologizes and Arranges Alternative Flights
Delta Airlines issued a statement expressing regret for the unsettling experience and affirming its commitment to passenger safety. “We appreciate our customers’ cooperation and apologize for the experience,” the airline said. “Nothing is more important than safety and Delta teams will work to get our customers to their final destinations as soon as possible.”
The airline announced plans to dispatch additional aircraft to Orlando to accommodate the stranded passengers. Meanwhile, Delta’s maintenance teams began inspecting the affected Airbus A330 to determine the exact cause of the engine fire. The FAA has also launched a formal investigation into the incident.
A String of Recent Safety Incidents for Delta AirLines
Monday’s fire is the latest in a series of troubling incidents for Delta AirLines in recent months. In February, a Delta flight flipped upside down while attempting to land at Toronto Pearson International Airport during harsh winter conditions, injuring 21 people. Fortunately, all injured passengers were later discharged from the hospital.
Earlier in January, another Delta flight was forced to abort takeoff at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, leading to an emergency evacuation involving nearly 200 passengers. Several passengers sustained minor injuries during that incident. These repeated events have raised concerns among aviation experts and travelers alike regarding the airline’s safety record.
FAA Investigation Underway Amid Calls for Review
The FAA confirmed that it has begun investigating the circumstances surrounding Monday’s engine fire. Preliminary reports suggest the fire originated in the tailpipe, but a full examination by Delta’s maintenance teams and federal investigators is expected to provide a clearer picture.
Aviation analysts note that while Delta has a long-standing reputation for operational excellence, the recent string of emergencies highlights the need for thorough internal reviews and possible regulatory oversight. For now, Delta passengers are being reassured that safety remains the airline’s highest priority, as many continue their journeys following Monday’s frightening experience.
