A Delta Air Lines flight heading to Columbia, South Carolina, returned to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Monday morning after a “haze” was observed inside the aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the plane returned at approximately 9 a.m. following reports of possible smoke in the flight deck. The Boeing 717, carrying 94 passengers, three flight attendants, and two pilots, deployed emergency slides during the evacuation. A Delta spokesperson stated that the crew followed procedures upon noticing the haze post-departure, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to safety. The cause of the haze is under investigation. Passenger Johnny recounted difficulty breathing as the haze filled the plane shortly after takeoff. Another passenger, Kristin Morris, described the panic among passengers as haze spread five to ten minutes into the flight. After evacuation, passengers were gathered in a conference room while Delta assessed the situation but were later released without explanation. Atlanta Fire Rescue assisted with the deplaning process. The incident moderately impacted airport operations. Delta is assisting affected customers in rebooking their flights. — news from CNN
