Massive Storm Forces Delta to Inspect Over 100 Planes at World’s Busiest Airport

A severe hailstorm slammed into Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Delta Air Lines’ global hub, triggering widespread delays and operational disruption.

With hail pounding the tarmac and wind speeds reaching dangerous levels, the storm forced Delta to pull more than 100 aircraft from service for emergency inspection.

The powerful system brought not only hail but also intense lightning, flooding, and wind gusts strong enough to shake the airport’s core infrastructure — grounding flights and rerouting traffic in and out of Atlanta.

Delta Grounds Over 100 Planes for Safety Checks

Most of the aircraft requiring inspection were on the ground during the storm when hail damaged fuselages, wings, and control surfaces. Delta moved quickly to prioritize safety. An airline employee confirmed, “Our maintenance teams are working around the clock to inspect and clear each aircraft as quickly as possible.”

Delta’s technical operations center — one of the largest in the world — became the heart of a massive overnight inspection drive, assessing hail impact and determining airworthiness before allowing aircraft to re-enter service.

FAA Control Tower Evacuated Due to Dangerous Winds

The chaos escalated when the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was forced to evacuate the air traffic control tower at Hartsfield–Jackson due to dangerously high winds. The evacuation lasted from 7:11 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., leaving only a few controllers behind to guide incoming flights.

“Air traffic controllers have returned to the Atlanta control tower after the FAA evacuated most personnel due to strong winds,” the agency reported. This rare measure highlights the severity of the storm and the threat it posed to flight operations.

Delta Issues Apology and Works to Restore Normalcy

Delta’s Chief Customer Experience Officer, Erik Snell, issued a public apology to affected passengers, stating:

“On behalf of Delta’s 100,000 people who are working to restore our operation to its hallmark reliability, I am sorry for the inconvenience and uncertainty this event has caused.”

The airline also praised its maintenance and ground crews, many of whom worked through the night to minimize disruption. Despite their efforts, Delta warned that delays and cancellations may continue through the weekend as it works to return to full operational capacity.

Flooding and Hail Add to the Turmoil

Alongside hail and wind, flooding in some areas of the airport added to the mayhem. Overflowing drainage systems, lightning threats, and tarmac closures compounded delays, leaving thousands of passengers waiting for updates and rescheduled flights.

Looking Ahead: Travel Advisories Remain in Place

Delta continues to advise passengers flying through Atlanta to check their flight status regularly and prepare for possible delays. The airline’s website and mobile app offer the most up-to-date travel alerts.