Plane catches fire at Orlando Airport - Evacuation underway

Delta Flight Evacuated at Orlando International Airport After Engine Fire

ORLANDO, Fla. — Passengers aboard Delta Air Lines Flight 1213 were forced to evacuate via emergency slides at Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Monday morning after the aircraft’s engine caught fire during startup, according to airline officials and eyewitness accounts. The incident, which occurred shortly before the flight’s scheduled departure to Atlanta, prompted a swift response from ground crews and emergency personnel, with no injuries reported.

The Airbus A330-323, registered as N807NW, was preparing for takeoff when flames briefly erupted from its No. 2 engine, as captured in video footage shared on social media and reported by The Mirror. The blaze sent plumes of black smoke into the sky, alarming travelers inside the terminal and onboard the aircraft. Delta’s flight crew immediately initiated evacuation procedures, deploying emergency slides to allow passengers to exit safely onto the tarmac.

“Delta Air Lines flight DL1213 evacuated at Orlando Airport after engine emitted flames from the No. 2 engine during startup,” confirmed a statement from Aviation Safety Network, a recognized authority on aviation incidents. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, which Delta described as a mechanical issue detected during routine pre-flight operations.

The incident disrupted operations at Orlando International, though the airport reported minimal delays. Delta Air Lines issued a statement emphasizing passenger safety: “Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people. We apologize for the experience and are working to re-accommodate affected passengers.” The airline has not yet released details on the number of passengers onboard or the extent of the mechanical issue.

This marks the latest in a series of aviation incidents involving Delta Air Lines. On January 10, 2025, a Delta flight in Atlanta aborted takeoff due to an engine issue, resulting in four minor injuries during an evacuation, as reported by ABC News. Earlier, on January 1, a Delta Airbus A330 returned to Atlanta after an engine fire shortly after takeoff, per Aviation A2Z. The FAA’s ongoing investigations into these events underscore heightened scrutiny of aircraft maintenance and safety protocols.

Orlando International Airport resumed normal operations following the incident, and the affected aircraft was removed from service for inspection. Passengers were rebooked on alternative flights, with Delta pledging to minimize disruptions.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will continue to investigate the cause of the engine fire, with preliminary findings expected in the coming weeks.

17GEN4.com