Delta Plane Aborts Takeoff After Catching on Fire (Video)

An Atlanta-bound Delta Airlines flight had a dramatic delay Monday morning after smoke was spotted pouring from its engines during takeoff at Las Vegas’s Harry Reid International Airport.

The Airbus A330, carrying 261 passengers and nine crew members, had just begun accelerating on the runway when onlookers noticed something alarming: thick smoke rising from one of the plane’s engines.

“Looks like it’s coming out of the engine…it’s on fire,” a witness is heard saying in a video shared by Storyful. The troubling footage quickly spread online, sparking concern and raising questions about flight safety amid rising operational pressures on major airlines.

A Delta spokesperson later confirmed that the issue occurred “as it was accelerating before takeoff,” and that airport emergency teams responded immediately. Delta clarified that the smoke was a result of “ignited fuel exiting the engine as designed,” meaning the engine was functioning as intended during this type of scenario.

Following the incident, the plane was safely towed back to the gate for inspection, and Delta coordinated new travel arrangements for impacted passengers. “Our teams are working to re-accommodate all customers as quickly as possible,” the airline said in a statement, underscoring the airline’s commitment to safety and customer service.

After hours of maintenance, the flight eventually took off later that night, finally landing in Atlanta at 3:23 a.m. Tuesday, according to flight data.