A Delta Air Lines flight headed to Atlanta was abruptly evacuated moments before takeoff at Orlando International Airport on Monday after flames were seen shooting from one of the aircraft’s engines, according to the airline.
Delta Flight 1213, an Airbus A330 carrying 200 passengers, 10 flight attendants, and two pilots, was taxiing on the tarmac when the incident occurred. Eyewitnesses inside the airport captured dramatic footage of passengers sliding down emergency chutes as fire blazed from the plane’s engine tailpipe.
Delta confirmed in a statement to Fox News Digital that the crew followed emergency protocols and quickly evacuated the aircraft. The fire, which was isolated to the tailpipe of one of the two engines, was swiftly extinguished, and no injuries were reported.
After the evacuation, passengers were escorted back to the terminal, where Delta provided food and drinks while arranging alternate travel.
“We appreciate our customers’ cooperation and apologize for the experience,” said a Delta spokesperson. “Nothing is more important than safety, and our teams are working to get our customers to their destinations as quickly as possible.”
The cause of the fire is still unknown. Delta’s maintenance crews are investigating the engine malfunction, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an official inquiry into the incident.
Airport officials confirmed that the fire was fully contained, and operations resumed without further disruption.