A Delta Air Lines flight scheduled for Columbia, South Carolina, had to make an unexpected return to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Monday morning due to a reported haze inside the aircraft. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff, around 9 am, when the crew detected possible smoke in the flight deck, prompting an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Boeing 717 was carrying 94 passengers, along with two pilots and three flight attendants. During the emergency evacuation, the plane deployed slides as it landed. Delta Airlines confirmed the aircraft’s haze concerns and expressed that safety is their top priority.
Passengers recounted the unsettling experience, with one, identified only as Johnny, stating that the haze made it difficult to breathe at times. It began to fill the cabin just minutes after departure, sparking alarm among the passengers, leading some to shout about potential smoke. Another passenger, Kristin Morris, described the anxiety in the cabin as the haze continued to thicken, causing distress among those on board.
An emergency protocol was enacted to ensure priority landing procedures with air traffic control. After the aircraft safely returned, passengers were evacuated onto the tarmac, where they waited for assistance. Post-evacuation, Delta Airlines moved the passengers into a conference room while the cause of the haze was investigated. However, they were ultimately released without a definitive explanation.
The incident drew a response from Atlanta Fire Rescue, who aided in the deplaning process. Delta assured those affected that their teams would assist in rebooking flights to complete their journeys.
Lastly, the airport officials noted that this incident had a moderate effect on overall airport operations, and further details about the cause of the haze are under review as Delta continues its internal investigation.