Panic gripped nearly 300 passengers aboard a Delta Air Lines flight after one of the plane’s engines caught fire while still on the tarmac at Orlando International Airport. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, prompted an emergency evacuation of all those on board.
Delta flight 1213, scheduled to fly from Orlando to Atlanta, was preparing for departure when flames and smoke were seen coming from the right engine of the aircraft. Eyewitness video shared on social media shows thick smoke billowing and flames flickering as terrified passengers evacuated using inflatable emergency slides.
The plane, an Airbus A330, was carrying 282 passengers, 10 flight attendants, and two pilots, according to Delta. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported.
Airport officials were quick to react. “Passengers were evacuated. Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting team promptly responded,” Orlando International Airport confirmed in a social media post.
Delta, in a statement to CBS News, said the crew initiated an emergency evacuation as soon as they noticed the fire in one of the aircraft’s engines. The airline stressed that the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority.
“We appreciate our customers’ cooperation and apologize for the experience,” Delta said. “Nothing is more important than safety and Delta teams will work to get our customers to their final destinations as soon as possible.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced it will conduct a full investigation into the incident.
Video footage taken from inside the terminal and shared widely online shows passengers standing on the tarmac after the evacuation. Emergency vehicles can be seen parked beside the aircraft, their lights flashing.
Several passengers appeared visibly shaken but relieved to be safe. One witness described the scene as “chaotic but orderly,” crediting the crew for acting quickly and maintaining calm during the evacuation.
Orlando, located in the southeastern United States, is one of the country’s busiest travel destinations, largely due to attractions like Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. The airport sees millions of travelers each year, both domestic and international.
Flight 1213 was heading to Atlanta, a major connecting hub for Delta Air Lines. Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the world’s busiest airport by passenger numbers.
This incident adds to a series of worrying aviation events in North America in recent months, raising concerns about aircraft safety and emergency preparedness.
On January 29, a tragic mid-air collision between a passenger plane and a military helicopter near Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan Airport claimed the lives of 67 people. That incident led investigators to recommend stricter control of helicopter flights in the vicinity of major airports.
Just a few weeks later, on February 17, another Delta flight from Minneapolis to Toronto crash-landed and overturned on the runway. Despite the severity of the crash — the plane skidded along the runway with visible flames — all 80 passengers miraculously survived, thanks to the quick action of emergency responders.
These incidents have sparked growing discussions in the aviation industry and among safety experts about the need for improved maintenance, upgraded technology, and better oversight of air travel safety, especially as air traffic rebounds post-pandemic.
Although no one was hurt in Saturday’s Orlando incident, aviation experts warn that even ground-based engine fires can pose serious dangers. Engines contain highly flammable fuel, and fires can spread quickly if not contained immediately.
The FAA’s investigation will likely focus on what caused the engine fire and whether there were any technical or maintenance issues involved. Aircraft like the Airbus A330 are known for their reliability, but no system is foolproof.
Many Nigerian travelers, particularly those traveling to the United States for education, tourism, or business, pass through major U.S. hubs like Atlanta and Orlando. The incident serves as a reminder to always pay attention to safety briefings on board and to know emergency procedures.
A Lagos-based frequent flyer, Chioma Okeke, reacted to the news saying, “It’s scary to think something like that can happen before takeoff. I always tell people, sit near the exits and know where your life vest is.”
For now, Delta has not confirmed whether the aircraft involved in the incident will be returned to service after the investigation. Passengers from Flight 1213 were rebooked on other flights to their final destinations, and the airline has promised to follow up with them regarding compensation and further support.
The FAA will release its findings in the coming weeks. In the meantime, travelers are being reminded that while such incidents are frightening, they remain rare — and that air travel is still one of the safest ways to get around.
