ATLANTA — A Delta Air Lines Airbus A330 bound for Lagos, Nigeria, was forced to abort its takeoff at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport after pilots detected a fire in one of the aircraft’s engines, prompting a swift emergency response at the world’s busiest airport.
Flight DL54, operating from Atlanta (ATL) to Lagos (LOS) on September 24, 2025, was accelerating down Runway 27R when the cockpit crew reported indications of a fire in the aircraft’s right engine. The pilots immediately rejected the takeoff and brought the wide-body jet to a controlled stop on the runway.
Quick Response on the Ground
According to Air Traffic Control (ATC) recordings, controllers confirmed flames were visible and alerted fire rescue teams that were already positioned near the active runway. “ATC confirmed flames were visible and alerted fire rescue teams already positioned around the active runway,” a report stated.
Emergency crews responded within moments, applying foam to the affected engine and conducting visual inspections to ensure the fire was fully extinguished. The situation was declared under control within minutes, and the aircraft remained stable. No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.
Calm in the Cabin
The Airbus A330 remained on the runway while fire crews continued their assessment. Delta’s flight crew confirmed that all passengers stayed seated during the incident and that an evacuation was not required. “There were no injuries reported on board Delta 54,” officials said. “The crew confirmed that all passengers remained seated during the aborted takeoff and that no evacuation was required.”
ATC communications also indicated that the fire was relatively minor and extinguished before it could spread beyond the right engine. After the flames were out, Delta’s pilots requested a crash-fire rescue escort to guide the aircraft back to its gate for further inspection.
Airport Operations Temporarily Disrupted
Runway 27R, one of Atlanta’s busiest, was temporarily closed as ground crews worked to secure the scene. Air traffic controllers coordinated go-arounds for several inbound Delta flights and temporarily delayed departures to clear airspace for the emergency response.
“ATC transmissions captured during the incident show controllers coordinating go-arounds for other inbound Delta flights while emergency services worked on the runway,” the incident summary noted. Once the aircraft was towed clear and the area was inspected for foreign object debris, the runway was reopened to normal operations.
The closure caused brief disruptions across the airport’s complex network of arrivals and departures, though Delta and airport officials credited the quick response for minimizing delays.
Coordination Between Pilots and Controllers
A transcript released by aviation monitoring channel VASAviation highlighted the professionalism and coordination between Delta’s flight crew and air traffic controllers. The pilots’ calm communication ensured a controlled response from both the cockpit and ground teams.
According to the transcript, “Delta 54 heavy (A330) reported right engine fire during takeoff from ATL; rejected takeoff and came to a stop on the runway. Fire trucks responded; the fire was extinguished with only a small flame reported. Crew requested the fire chief to escort back to the gate; confirmed no injuries. Inspection carried out on the runway; Delta 54 taxied back to the ramp escorted by emergency vehicles.”
Delta’s Statement and Ongoing Review
While Delta Air Lines has not yet released a detailed public statement on the cause of the fire, the company confirmed that maintenance teams are conducting a full inspection of the aircraft to determine the root cause. No impact to Delta’s broader A330 operations has been reported.
A spokesperson for Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport said the incident demonstrated the strength of the airport’s emergency coordination protocols. “The quick actions of the Delta crew, air traffic controllers, and our fire rescue teams ensured everyone’s safety,” the spokesperson said.
Broader Context
Engine-related incidents during takeoff are rare but not unprecedented, and aviation experts note that modern airliners like the Airbus A330 are designed to withstand such emergencies. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to review the incident as part of standard post-event procedure.
As of press time, Flight DL54’s passengers were re-accommodated on a later departure to Lagos. The incident underscores the importance of training and coordination in ensuring safety at major global hubs like Atlanta, where more than 100 million passengers pass through each year.
“Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates,” the report concluded.
