Metro Atlanta

Delta flight returns to Atlanta, passengers evacuated after fumes reported in cockpit

At least two people sought medical attention after the flight bound for Orlando had to turn around.
A Delta flight had to turn around and return to Atlanta on Saturday after fumes were reported in the flight deck, officials say. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)
A Delta flight had to turn around and return to Atlanta on Saturday after fumes were reported in the flight deck, officials say. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)
By
Updated Aug 8, 2026

A Delta flight headed to Orlando, Florida, returned to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after fumes were reported in the cockpit Saturday morning, officials said.

The flight took off at 7:23 a.m. and was diverted soon after and landed in Atlanta again at 7:59 a.m., according to flightaware.com data. An airline spokesperson confirmed with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that 199 customers and six crew members had to evacuate on the taxiway via slides.

First responders met with individuals on the taxiway, and Delta said one crew member and one customer sought medical attention. Delta did not provide their conditions.

“Safety is paramount at Delta, and we apologize to our customers for their experience,” the spokesperson added.

The spokesperson said customers flew to Orlando at 2:30 p.m. on a rebooked flight.

The extent of the fumes or where exactly it originated in the flight deck was not provided.

The Boeing aircraft is set to be evaluated by maintenance workers, authorities said.

“We will fully cooperate with reviews by safety and aviation authorities,” the spokesperson said.