ATLANTA- A Delta Air Lines (DL) flight made an emergency landing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in February 2025 after thick smoke filled the cabin shortly after departure.
The Boeing 717 operating Delta Flight DL876 was en route to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) when the crew was forced to return to Atlanta due to a major smoke event. Pilots donned oxygen masks as the aircraft filled with haze, prompting an emergency evacuation upon landing.
Delta Flight Emergency Landing Amid Smoke
The incident occurred shortly after Delta Flight DL876 took off from Atlanta (ATL) at around 9:00 a.m. on February 24, bound for Columbia, South Carolina (CAE), PYOK flagged.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), smoke began pouring from the aircraft’s ventilation system during the initial climb, severely reducing visibility in the cabin.
The lead flight attendant reported the smoke was so dense that he could not see beyond the first few rows.
Both forward and aft crew members immediately attempted to contact the cockpit using the emergency alert button. When those efforts failed, they made public address announcements, which were likely not heard by the pilots amid competing audio in their headsets.
Efforts to directly knock on the cockpit door revealed that smoke had already reached the flight deck. The pilots had donned oxygen masks and prioritized flying the aircraft during the critical phase of departure. They were aware of the cabin issue, but delayed communication to ensure the aircraft remained under control.
After declaring an emergency, cockpit alerts—including a master caution light and a forward lavatory smoke detector alarm—were activated. With communication channels limited, cabin crew reassured passengers while preparing for a possible evacuation.
An off-duty flight attendant onboard proactively relocated to an emergency exit to assist if necessary. Upon safe landing at ATL, the captain opened the cockpit door and encountered what was described as a “tremendous” amount of smoke. Emergency services surrounded the aircraft, and an immediate evacuation was ordered.
Ninety-four passengers evacuated the 25-year-old Boeing 717 using emergency slides. No serious injuries were reported.
Preliminary Findings
Delta Air Lines stated that the crew adhered to safety procedures and quickly returned to ATL upon detecting the haze.
“Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people, and we apologize to our customers for the experience,” the airline said.
The cause of the smoke remains under investigation. The NTSB’s preliminary report has confirmed the crew’s timeline of events and actions taken during the emergency.
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