Engine Fire Forces Emergency Evacuation of Delta Flight at Orlando International Airport Just Before Take-off

Delta airlines fire Orlando international airport

A Delta Air Lines passenger jet was evacuated on Monday after one of its engines caught fire while preparing for takeoff at Orlando International Airport. The incident occurred around 11:15 a.m. local time as Delta Flight 1213, an Airbus A330, was pushing back from the gate en route to Atlanta.

According to official reports, the fire was located in the tailpipe of one of the aircraft’s two main engines. Emergency procedures were immediately activated, and the 282 passengers, along with 10 flight attendants and two pilots, were evacuated from the aircraft using emergency slides. No injuries were initially reported.

Photos and videos captured from the tarmac showed flames visibly erupting from the rear of the aircraft. Fire crews at Orlando International Airport swiftly responded, containing and extinguishing the fire without further incident.

An engine fire erupted on a Delta Air Lines flight before it departed from Orlando International Airport on Monday

Delta confirmed that all passengers were safely returned to the terminal and arrangements are being made to transport them to their final destination using a replacement aircraft. The airline issued a statement expressing gratitude for passenger cooperation and emphasizing its commitment to passenger safety.

“Delta flight crews followed procedures to evacuate the passenger cabin when flames in the tailpipe of one of the aircraft’s two engines were observed,” the airline stated. “We appreciate our customers’ cooperation and apologize for the experience. Nothing is more important than safety, and Delta teams will work to get our customers to their final destinations as soon as possible.”

Passengers were evacuated on emergency slides onto the Orlando International Airport tarmac

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the cause of the engine fire. Delta maintenance teams are also inspecting the affected aircraft.

This incident is the latest in a series of recent aviation scares involving the airline. In February, 21 people were injured after a Delta plane flipped while landing in icy conditions at Toronto Pearson International Airport. In January, a Delta flight was forced to abort takeoff in Atlanta, resulting in multiple injuries during an emergency evacuation.