Melissa Donovan
A Delta Air Lines flight preparing to depart from Orlando International Airport was abruptly evacuated Monday morning after flames were spotted coming from one of the aircraft’s engines, officials confirmed.
Flight 1213, bound for Atlanta and scheduled to depart at 11 a.m., was carrying 282 passengers along with 10 flight attendants and two pilots when the incident occurred. According to a statement from Delta, flames were seen in the tailpipe of one of the aircraft’s two engines during pre-flight checks.
Emergency protocols were swiftly enacted, and some passengers were evacuated using the aircraft’s emergency slides. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority confirmed the fire was quickly contained and extinguished. No injuries have been reported.
All passengers were safely returned to the terminal, where they were provided with food and beverages while awaiting a replacement aircraft. Delta noted that additional planes are being dispatched to ensure travelers reach their final destinations with minimal delay.
“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,” the airline said in a public statement.
Maintenance crews are now inspecting the affected aircraft to determine the cause of the fire, and the Orlando Police Department responded to the scene as part of the airport’s emergency response.
Orlando International Airport also issued a statement, emphasizing that the situation was under control: “The fire was contained and is out. Some passengers were evacuated via an emergency slide,” MCO said.
As investigations continue, Delta has reiterated its commitment to safety and customer care, ensuring that affected passengers are rebooked and supported throughout the process.
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