Terrifying Moments on the Tarmac: Delta Jet Catches Fire at Orlando Airport

Passengers on board a Delta Air Lines flight experienced a frightening start to their journey Monday morning when one of the aircraft’s engines caught fire just after pushing back from the gate at Orlando International Airport.

Flight 1213, an Airbus A330 bound for Atlanta, was carrying 282 passengers and 12 crew members when flames were spotted shooting from the tailpipe of one of its two engines around 11:15 a.m. EDT. In response, the flight crew quickly initiated an emergency evacuation. Passengers were seen escaping the aircraft via inflatable slides, with dramatic video footage of the incident shared widely on social media.

Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and Delta praised its crews for swiftly following evacuation protocols. Airport rescue teams also responded quickly, extinguishing the fire in the ramp area where the aircraft was parked.

The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the Orlando fire, while Delta’s maintenance teams are examining the damaged aircraft. In the meantime, the airline has arranged for alternate flights to get passengers to their destinations.

While this was a scary moment for those onboard, quick thinking by the flight crew and first responders helped prevent what could have been a much more serious situation.