On Friday morning, January 10, 2025, a Delta Air Lines flight bound for Minneapolis-St. Paul was forced to abort its takeoff at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport due to an engine issue. The Boeing 757-300 aircraft, carrying 201 passengers, two pilots, and five flight attendants, experienced the problem shortly after 9:10 a.m. local time.
As a result, passengers evacuated the plane using inflatable emergency slides onto the snow-covered tarmac. The evacuation led to four reported injuries; one individual was transported to a hospital, while three others received treatment for minor injuries at the scene.
The incident occurred amid a significant snowstorm that had already caused widespread cancellations and delays at the world’s busiest airport. Approximately two inches of snow had fallen by noon in Atlanta, marking the most substantial snowfall in seven years. This weather event led to the temporary closure of all five runways and the cancellation of about 500 Delta flights by midday.
Delta Air Lines emphasized that safety is their top priority and issued an apology to the affected customers. The airline is actively working to support passengers and arrange alternative travel plans to ensure they reach their destinations safely.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the engine issue and assess the airline’s response procedures.
This event highlights the challenges airlines and passengers face during severe weather conditions, underscoring the importance of safety protocols and emergency preparedness in the aviation industry.
