Delta Flight 2668, carrying 201 passengers, was evacuated at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Friday morning due to an engine issue. Passengers exited the Boeing 757-300 via emergency slides and were transported back to the terminal using ground vehicles. The flight was scheduled to depart for Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport at around 7 a.m. but faced complications as severe winter weather gripped Atlanta. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that takeoff was suspended at approximately 9 a.m., and an investigation into the engine malfunction is underway.
Delta stated that the flight crew, which included two pilots and five flight attendants, adhered to established safety protocols to suspend the takeoff. The airline reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety, apologizing for the disruption and pledging support to affected customers to ensure they reach their destinations safely and quickly.
Four passengers reported minor injuries. One was transported for medical treatment, while three others were treated on the scene. Airport operations were delayed due to the incident and adverse weather conditions. Officials said the affected aircraft and runway would be cleared shortly.
The winter storm has caused significant travel disruptions across the region, with Atlanta experiencing one to two inches of snow and up to a quarter inch of ice. The National Weather Service urged residents to avoid non-essential travel. The storm has severely impacted flights nationwide, with more than 2,600 cancellations and 2,500 delays reported. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport was the hardest hit, recording almost 900 cancellations and over 430 delays. Power outages have also affected over 4,000 customers in Georgia.
Delta Flight 2668’s evacuation marks another challenge during the ongoing weather crisis. Despite the setbacks, the airline remains focused on ensuring passenger safety while working to resume normal operations.
