Delta Passengers Evacuate via Emergency Slides at Atlanta Airport Due to Engine Issue

     In a dramatic incident at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Friday morning, January 10, 2025, passengers aboard Delta Air Lines Flight 2668 were forced to evacuate using emergency slides after the aircraft experienced an engine issue during takeoff.

     The Boeing 757-300, carrying 201 passengers, two pilots, and five flight attendants, was accelerating for takeoff on its way to Minneapolis-St. Paul when the flight crew received an indication of an engine problem. Following established procedures, the pilots immediately aborted the takeoff and ordered an evacuation onto the tarmac.

     Eyewitness video captured firefighters spraying the starboard engine as passengers slid down the emergency chutes onto the icy ground below1. The incident occurred around 9:05 a.m. local time, coinciding with an unusual snow event at the Atlanta airport. Delta Air Lines issued a statement confirming the incident: "Delta's flight crew followed established procedures to suspend takeoff of flight 2668 from Atlanta to Minneapolis-St. Paul after an indication of an engine issue. Nothing is more important than the safety of our people and customers, and we apologize to our customers for their experience".

     The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that it will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. In response to the event and ongoing severe weather, the FAA issued a ground stop for all Delta departures to Atlanta Hartsfield for most of Friday. While initial reports indicated no injuries, later updates revealed that four passengers reported minor injuries during the evacuation. The exact nature and severity of these injuries have not been disclosed.

     The incident has caused significant disruptions to Delta's operations, with the airline reportedly running only about 10% of its planned schedule on Friday due to the combination of this event and severe winter weather impacting its home base. As the situation continues to develop, Delta Air Lines has stated that its focus is on addressing the immediate needs of affected passengers and ensuring their safe transportation to their destinations. 

     The aircraft and runway are expected to be cleared shortly, according to airport officials. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of airline safety procedures and the quick response of flight crews in emergency situations. As investigations continue, more details about the cause of the engine issue and the overall handling of the evacuation are likely to emerge in the coming days