Atlanta, October 10, 2025
News Summary
A strong gas smell prompted a ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, causing temporary disruption to flight operations. The ground stop was issued just before 5:30 p.m. and lifted shortly before 6 p.m. Thankfully, no gas was detected during an investigation by Atlanta fire officials. While there were no significant delays, air traffic control services were suspended, affecting takeoffs but allowing some landings. This incident raised concerns about ongoing air traffic challenges amidst staffing issues due to a government shutdown.
Atlanta
A strong gas smell prompted a ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Thursday evening. The ground stop was issued just before 5:30 p.m. and lifted shortly before 6 p.m., according to reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The FAA reported the incident but did not specify the cause of the gas smell. As a precautionary measure, the air traffic control (ATC) tower was evacuated. Atlanta fire officials conducted an investigation and confirmed that no gas was detected in the tower, ensuring safety for all personnel.
Impact on Flight Operations
During the ground stop, flight operations were temporarily halted. No takeoffs occurred from the typically busy airport between 5:11 p.m. and 5:52 p.m. Despite the grounding of departing flights, approximately five planes were able to land with the assistance of approach controllers. Air traffic control services were suspended during this period, characterized as “ATC Zero,” meaning no control services were provided to departing flights. Controllers maintained communication with pilots, instructing them to hold and await further instructions.
No Significant Delays Reported
While the ground stop primarily affected outgoing flights, some incoming flights were still able to land. Despite the disruption caused by the gas smell, officials stated that there were no significant delays at the airport in comparison to those experienced at other facilities across the country.
Travelers were understandably concerned about the ongoing issues stemming from a government shutdown. Virginia Giddons, a traveler at the airport, expressed her minor concerns regarding the potential impact of the situation. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed the ongoing air traffic disruptions, attributing some of the issues to a small fraction of air traffic controllers calling in sick.
Continued Monitoring and Support
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stated they do not support members calling out from work in protest of the shutdown, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining operations. Staffing shortages have been reported at air traffic control facilities nationwide due to the shutdown; however, Atlanta was not listed as short-staffed in the evening’s operations plan.
As of now, the incident remains under continued development, and updates are expected to be provided by local news sources.
FAQs
What prompted the ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?
A strong gas smell prompted a ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
When was the ground stop issued and lifted?
The ground stop was issued just before 5:30 p.m. and lifted shortly before 6 p.m.
What actions did officials take during the incident?
The air traffic control tower was evacuated as a precautionary measure, and Atlanta fire officials conducted an investigation that found no gas in the tower.
How were flight operations affected during the ground stop?
Flight operations were temporarily halted, with no takeoffs occurring between 5:11 p.m. and 5:52 p.m. Only about five planes were able to land during that time.
Were there any significant delays reported at the airport?
Officials stated that there were no significant delays at the airport compared to disruptions experienced at other facilities across the country.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Ground stop due to strong gas smell |
| Time of Incident | Ground stop issued at 5:30 p.m., lifted at 6:00 p.m. |
| Impact on Flights | No takeoffs from 5:11 p.m. to 5:52 p.m.; approximately five landings |
| Investigation | Atlanta fire officials found no gas in the tower |
| ATC Status | Air traffic control services suspended (ATC Zero) |
| Significant Delays | No significant delays compared to other facilities nationwide |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First
- Wikipedia: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- CNN
- Google Search: Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport evacuated
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Traffic Control
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- Google News: Gas smell Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Airport
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
