Passengers struggle to breathe as Delta flight returns to Atlanta

A routine Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Columbia, South Carolina, turned into a terrifying ordeal on Monday when a thick haze filled the cabin mid-flight, prompting an emergency return to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, US.

The Boeing 717, which departed at approximately 8:30 am local time, was carrying 94 passengers, three flight attendants, and two pilots. Shortly after takeoff, the cabin filled with a mysterious mist, causing panic among passengers. Some passengers screamed “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke!” as visibility dropped and breathing became difficult.

The flight crew acted swiftly, declaring an emergency and turning the aircraft back toward Atlanta. The plane made a tense landing at 9:00 am, and emergency slides were deployed as passengers were evacuated onto the tarmac. Atlanta Fire Rescue teams rushed to assist.

"We could barely breathe," said Johnny, a passenger on board. "It felt like the air was being choked out of the cabin."

Upon landing, passengers were taken to a conference room while Delta Air Lines launched an investigation into the incident. However, passengers were left frustrated and shaken as the airline did not provide an immediate explanation for the cause of the haze.

Kristin Morris, another passenger, described the chaotic scene: "At first, we didn’t know what was happening. Then the haze got thicker. People were coughing. Some started screaming. It felt like forever before we landed."

Delta confirmed the incident, stating: “Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people, and we apologise to our customers for the experience.”

While the event caused moderate airport disruptions, Delta assured passengers that they would be rebooked to their destinations.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine what caused the haze inside the Boeing 717, with officials promising to provide more details once the cause has been identified.