Delta Flight Evacuated After Engine Fire at Orlando Airport

A Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) Airbus A330 carrying 282 passengers and 12 crew members was evacuated at Orlando International Airport on Monday after one of its engines caught fire during pushback. The flight, Delta 1213, was scheduled to depart for Atlanta when the incident occurred around 11:15 a.m. EDT, prompting emergency procedures and an immediate evacuation via inflatable slides.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the engine fire and announced an official investigation is underway. Social media videos captured dramatic scenes of flames erupting from the aircraft’s tailpipe and passengers descending onto the tarmac.

Delta Air Lines reported no injuries among passengers or crew, stating that flight personnel acted swiftly and followed emergency protocols. The airline’s maintenance team is now inspecting the damaged aircraft, and alternate flights are being arranged for affected travelers.

Orlando International Airport confirmed that the fire was contained to the ramp area and was swiftly addressed by the airport’s aircraft rescue and firefighting team.

This incident adds to a recent string of high-profile aviation emergencies raising concerns about U.S. flight safety. In March, an American Airlines jet experienced a similar engine fire while taxiing in Denver, and in January, a mid-air collision involving an American Airlines regional jet and an Army helicopter resulted in 67 fatalities.

Airbus, the aircraft manufacturer, has not yet commented on the Orlando engine fire. The FAA continues to monitor the situation closely as it probes the root cause.

This event underscores growing scrutiny on aviation safety protocols, aircraft maintenance, and emergency response amid increasing reports of in-flight mechanical failures.