A Delta Air Lines aircraft carrying 200 passengers caught fire on Monday at Orlando International Airport (OIA), with no injuries reported, according to local media and airport authorities. The incident occurred on flight 1213, scheduled to depart for Atlanta at 11:00 a.m. The blaze started in the nozzle of one of the two engines of the Airbus A330, as confirmed by the airline.
Images circulating on social media captured flames and smoke billowing from the right engine of the aircraft. Videos also showed passengers evacuating via emergency slides, remaining close to the plane on the tarmac.
Delta stated that in addition to the passengers, the plane carried 10 cabin crew members and 2 pilots. The airline expressed gratitude for the customers' cooperation and apologized for the incident, emphasizing that safety is their top priority. "Our teams are working to transport customers to their final destinations as quickly as possible," the company added.
Passengers were escorted back to the terminal building, where they were offered food and drinks while awaiting a replacement aircraft. Maintenance teams will assess the damaged plane to evaluate the extent of the harm.
Immediate Response from Orlando Airport
The OIA confirmed the fire was swiftly contained, and some passengers were evacuated using emergency slides. On their official account on X, the airport noted that the fire broke out around 11:06 a.m., as Delta flight 1213 was on the ramp before takeoff. All passengers were promptly evacuated without incident.
The aircraft rescue and firefighting team responded immediately to control the situation. Airport authorities advised that any further inquiries should be directed to Delta Air Lines.
Several social media profiles reported the incident shortly after it occurred. A user named Dylan posted three videos showing the moment the plane's engine caught fire and the subsequent evacuation of passengers via emergency ramps on the Orlando airport tarmac.
Rising Concerns Over Aviation Safety
Recently, numerous air incidents in the United States have heightened public concern over the safety of civil aviation.
On April 10, a tragic accident claimed six lives, including three children, when a small plane crashed into the Hudson River, involving a family of Spanish tourists.
That same day, another unusual event occurred in Washington D.C. An American Airlines plane carrying congress members was struck by another aircraft while stationary on the runway at Ronald Reagan Airport.
The string of incidents continued last Wednesday when a Frontier Airlines flight from Florida experienced an engine failure during landing in Puerto Rico. Although no injuries were reported, passengers endured moments of panic as flames emerged from one of the engines. Authorities are still investigating the cause of this incident.
This past Sunday, four individuals died in Illinois when a small plane collided with high-tension wires and crashed in a rural area of Coles County. The Cessna 180 plummeted after the impact and went up in flames. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA have launched an investigation into the case.
On the same day, another American Airlines flight bound for Miami had to make an emergency return to the departure airport after a technical issue was detected on board. The crew's quick response prevented a more severe outcome, and passengers were rebooked on other flights.
Aviation Safety Concerns FAQ
What caused the fire on the Delta flight at Orlando Airport?
The fire originated in the nozzle of one of the two engines of the Airbus A330, as confirmed by Delta Air Lines.
Were there any injuries reported from the incident?
No injuries were reported following the fire on the Delta flight at Orlando Airport.
How did the airport authorities respond to the fire?
The airport's aircraft rescue and firefighting team acted immediately to contain the fire, and passengers were promptly evacuated using emergency slides.