A routine takeoff turned into a dramatic emergency Friday morning when passengers aboard Delta Flight 2668 were forced to evacuate using emergency slides at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The flight, en route to Minneapolis-St. Paul was aborted just after 9 a.m. due to a reported engine issue, according to Delta Air Lines.
The Boeing 757-300 was carrying 201 passengers and seven crew members when the issue occurred. Delta reported that the flight’s takeoff was halted after pilots received an “indication of an engine issue.” Passengers exited the aircraft via emergency slides, with ground transportation provided to shuttle them from the tarmac back to the terminal.
Four passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation, according to airport officials. One individual was transported to a local hospital for treatment, while the other three were treated on-site. The exact nature of their injuries was not immediately disclosed.
In a statement, Delta emphasized its commitment to safety. “Nothing is more important than the safety of our people and customers, and we apologize to our customers for their experience,” the airline said. “We are working to support our customers and get them to their destinations as safely and quickly as possible.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced an investigation into the incident. Such investigations typically focus on identifying the cause of the engine issue and assessing the airline’s response to the emergency.
The incident occurred during a severe winter storm that has been affecting much of the southern United States. Atlanta, which rarely sees significant snowfall, recorded approximately two inches of snow by noon—the most in seven years. The storm has caused widespread travel disruptions, with more than 2,600 flights canceled across the country as of midday Friday. Airports in Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, and Nashville have experienced the heaviest impacts.
Operations at Hartsfield-Jackson were further delayed due to a combination of the Delta incident and the ongoing severe weather. The challenging conditions have tested both airport staff and travelers, with icy runways and reduced visibility complicating flight schedules.
Passengers who were aboard Delta Flight 2668 described the experience as frightening but credited the crew for their calm and professional handling of the situation. “It was terrifying, especially with the snowstorm outside,” said one passenger. “But the crew did an amazing job making sure everyone got off safely.”
Delta has assured passengers affected by the incident that it is working to rebook their travel plans and provide additional support as needed. The airline also extended its apologies to those who experienced distress during the evacuation.
Incidents like this highlight the importance of airline safety protocols and the rigorous training that crews undergo to prepare for emergencies. The swift and organized evacuation demonstrates the effectiveness of these protocols in ensuring passenger safety.
As the FAA investigation unfolds, the aviation community will likely analyze the details of the event to identify any opportunities for further improving safety measures. For now, passengers and crew aboard Delta Flight 2668 can reflect on an experience that underscores the unpredictability of air travel and the critical importance of preparedness.
