Air Traffic Control Tower Evacuated at Atlanta Airport

Atlanta, Georgia, October 12, 2025

News Summary

The air traffic control tower at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was evacuated after a fire alarm and a strong gas smell were detected. The evacuation led to a halt in flights, causing significant delays and nearly 600 flight cancellations. Thankfully, a thorough investigation by the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department revealed no gas was found in the tower. Air traffic services resumed shortly after the evacuation was lifted, but the incident highlighted the challenges faced during peak travel times.

Atlanta, Georgia – Air Traffic Control Tower Evacuated Due to Fire Alarm and Gas Smell

The air traffic control tower at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was evacuated on Friday night after a fire alarm was activated and a strong gas smell was detected. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the evacuation and provided a statement regarding the situation.

During the evacuation, air traffic controllers had to instruct pilots to taxi without air traffic control services, indicating a condition known as “ATC Zero.” This meant that no controllers were available to manage aircraft movements. The controllers communicated that they would be offline for a period while they evacuated, resulting in a significant operational disruption.

A ground stop was implemented for all inbound flights, which required planes to wait before taking off. Pilots of some flights already in the air were able to land safely, with assistance from approach controllers in the absence of tower guidance. However, a pilot reported landing “uncontrolled” due to the evacuation situation.

The evacuation led to a halt in takeoffs from 5:11 PM to 5:52 PM, although approximately five planes were able to land during this timeframe. The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department investigated the scene and later gave the all-clear, confirming that no gas was found in the tower. Air traffic control services resumed shortly before 6 PM, allowing normal operations to continue.

FlightAware reported a rise in flight delays during the incident, increasing from just over 280 to 360. By the end of the night, nearly 600 flights were canceled, including ten flights specifically canceled on Friday. Additionally, some flights were diverted or placed in holding patterns because of the situation.

On the same day, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had expected to screen approximately 114,000 passengers at Atlanta airport, potentially breaking the previous record. By midday, over 57,000 passengers had already passed through security checkpoints.

Air traffic controllers are considered essential employees and have been working without pay due to the ongoing government shutdown. Despite a nationwide report of staffing shortages, Atlanta was not listed as short-staffed in Friday’s operations plan. Officials have not disclosed the cause of the reported gas smell as investigations continue.

Key Incident Timeline

• 5:11 PM – Takeoffs halted; tower evacuated.
• 5:52 PM – Tower evacuation concluded, operations resumed.
• Flight delays spiked from over 280 to 360.
• Nearly 600 flights canceled by the end of the night.

Passenger Screening and Operational Impact

The anticipated passenger screening numbers highlighted the heavy passenger load on the day of the incident. The TSA projected the potential to exceed the previous record, confirming the airport’s vital role in air travel.

Conclusion

The evacuation of the air traffic control tower due to a fire alarm and gas smell disrupted flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, leading to delays and cancellations while ensuring the safety of both staff and passengers. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the gas smell.

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Additional Resources

• CNN
• Wikipedia: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Fox 5 Atlanta
• Google Search: Atlanta airport evacuation
• 11Alive
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Traffic Control
• Reuters
• Google News: Hartsfield-Jackson airport incident
• Fox News
• Google Scholar: air traffic control evacuation Atlanta

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.