Delta Jet catches fire at Orlando airport, Forcing emergency evacuation

Chaos unfolded at Orlando International Airport on Monday morning after a Delta Air Lines flight preparing for takeoff caught fire, prompting an emergency evacuation of all passengers and crew on board.

The incident occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m. as Delta Flight 1213, an Airbus A330 en route to Atlanta, began pushing back from the gate. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), flames were seen shooting from the tailpipe of one of the aircraft’s two engines. The flight was carrying 282 passengers, 10 flight attendants, and two pilots at the time.

Dramatic video shared on social media shows thick smoke billowing from the aircraft as passengers rapidly exited using inflatable emergency slides. Fire and rescue crews were seen rushing to the scene to extinguish the blaze. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and all passengers were safely escorted back to the terminal.

Delta Airlines confirmed that the flight crew acted swiftly and followed emergency safety protocols upon identifying the flames. “Nothing is more important than safety,” Delta said in a statement. “Our teams are working to get our customers to their final destinations as soon as possible.” The airline also noted that maintenance teams are now examining the aircraft to determine the cause of the fire.

Passengers, many of whom were families returning from Passover holidays, described a tense scene, with many rushing to safety amid the confusion. The incident has once again raised concerns over air safety, especially as this marks the third aviation scare involving Delta in recent months.

The FAA has launched an investigation into the engine fire, while Delta has dispatched replacement aircraft to assist affected passengers. Airport officials assured the public that the fire was quickly contained and operations resumed shortly afterward.