Delta flight hit by firework while landing in Chicago
A Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 carrying 52 passengers and six crew members was struck by a firework as it was preparing to land at Chicago’s Midway International Airport on Saturday night.
The flight, which departed from Atlanta’s Hartsfield‑Jackson airport at 19:51 ET, made contact with a firework at roughly 200 ft (61 m) while descending, according to a Delta spokesperson.
The crew reported the incident to air traffic control and the aircraft safely landed and taxi‑ed to the gate. No passengers or crew were injured; the incident was communicated to the Federal Aviation Administration and local authorities.
The event took place during the nationwide celebrations of the United States’ 250th anniversary, when dozens of residents and local governments set off fireworks. Air‑traffic controllers warned pilots that fireworks were being launched from homes in the area.
Chicago police said the aircraft was struck by an “unknown object” and sustained only minor paint damage. Inspectors later confirmed the plane was free of structural damage.
Large public displays of fireworks were organized by state and federal authorities, while private fireworks remained common. Authorities are investigating the incident and reviewing safety protocols around airports during fireworks displays.
Other major cities, such as Washington D.C., used large displays to mark the milestone anniversary, suspending flights at nearby airports for safety.
