A Delta Air Lines flight is evacuated at Orlando International Airport on Monday morning after flames are seen shooting from the tailpipe of one of the aircraft’s engines during preparations for takeoff. All passengers and crew members exit the plane safely, and there are no reported injuries.
The incident occurs just before 10 a.m. local time, as the aircraft, reportedly bound for Atlanta, is preparing to depart the gate area. Witnesses describe a loud popping noise followed by visible fire and smoke coming from the rear engine. Airport emergency crews are immediately dispatched to the scene, and fire suppression units respond quickly to extinguish the flames.
Videos shared by passengers and airport staff capture the startling moment when the engine emits flames, triggering immediate emergency procedures. Passengers are directed to evacuate using portable stairs, and ground crews assist them in safely disembarking. Some passengers express concern on social media but praise the professionalism of the Delta flight crew and airport first responders for their calm and efficient handling of the situation.
Delta confirms the fire originates in the tailpipe of the aircraft’s number two engine and that the flames are quickly extinguished without damage spreading to other parts of the plane. The airline issues a statement saying the aircraft will undergo a full inspection by maintenance teams and the cause of the fire will be investigated in coordination with aviation safety authorities.
The aircraft involved is identified as a Boeing 757, a mid-size jet commonly used on short- to medium-haul routes. Delta’s ground team begins immediate work to rebook affected passengers onto alternate flights. Most travelers are offered same-day accommodations to reach their final destinations.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says it is aware of the incident and has launched a standard review of aircraft maintenance logs and onboard systems. While initial signs point to a mechanical failure in the auxiliary power unit (APU) or tailpipe combustion system, a definitive cause has not yet been released.
Orlando International Airport remains fully operational, with no long-term delays or runway closures reported as a result of the fire. Airport officials say their fire and rescue units responded “within seconds” and that all evacuation and containment protocols were followed successfully.
Delta Air Lines has been under increased scrutiny over maintenance and safety practices after several recent flight incidents, including aborted takeoffs and cabin depressurization alerts in other markets. However, aviation experts note that tailpipe fires—while alarming—are often the result of minor malfunctions and can be contained quickly without leading to catastrophic failure.
Passengers impacted by the incident are being provided with meal vouchers, hotel options if necessary, and flight alternatives. Some report delays of two to five hours depending on connection routes. Delta has offered compensation to travelers for the inconvenience and says its top priority remains the safety of its customers and crew.
As of this afternoon, the FAA has not issued a grounding or maintenance directive related to Delta’s fleet of Boeing 757s, but aviation analysts expect increased inspections and a temporary pause in similar aircraft operations pending results from the ongoing investigation.
The incident is the latest in a series of high-profile airline emergencies nationwide, and federal regulators are facing growing calls to enhance oversight of aircraft maintenance procedures amid a post-pandemic surge in commercial travel.
