Atlanta, Georgia, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport experienced a ground stop due to a reported strong smell of gas in the FAA control tower, prompting significant flight delays. The stop lasted approximately two hours before officials confirmed no hazards were present. With nearly 500 flights impacted, travelers were advised to monitor their statuses online. The investigation by Atlanta Fire Rescue confirmed there was no gas detected in the tower, and operations returned to normal shortly thereafter.
Atlanta, Georgia
A ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was lifted on Friday evening following an investigation into a reported strong gas smell in the FAA control tower. The incident caused significant disruptions, delaying nearly 500 flights as officials responded to the emergency.
The ground stop was enacted shortly before 5:10 p.m. ET, after initial reports suggested a fire was the reason for the halt in operations. However, authorities later clarified that the stoppage was due to a strong odor of gas fumes detected in the control tower. As a safety precaution, the air traffic control tower was swiftly evacuated, and first responders arrived to investigate the scene.
As operations paused, almost 500 flights experienced delays, leading to widespread inconveniences for travelers. The ground stop remained in effect for approximately two hours, being lifted at around 7 p.m. ET when it was confirmed that no hazards were present in the tower. After the all-clear, average flight delays at the airport had reduced to about 39 minutes as of 7:10 p.m. ET.
During the incident, the FAA reported that a secondary air traffic control tower was being established to accommodate ongoing operations. Travelers were advised to monitor their flight statuses online for real-time updates on their departures and arrivals. It is noted that the evacuation and subsequent ground stop occurred against the backdrop of ongoing air traffic control staffing issues stemming from a government shutdown.
The investigation conducted by the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department confirmed that no gas was found in the control tower, and officials verified that operations at the airport were back to normal after the situation was resolved.
Background
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is recognized as one of the busiest airports in the world, serving millions of travelers each year. Events like these, while disruptive, are often carefully managed by authorities to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. This incident highlights the complexities involved in airport operations, especially during instances of potential safety hazards.
FAQ
What caused the ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?
The ground stop was due to a reported strong gas smell in the FAA control tower.
How long did the ground stop last?
The ground stop was lifted around 7 p.m. ET after it was confirmed that no hazards were found.
How many flights were delayed due to the incident?
Nearly 500 flights were delayed due to the ground stop.
Was there any gas found in the control tower following the investigation?
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department concluded their investigation, confirming no gas was found in the tower.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Strong gas smell in FAA control tower |
| Initial Ground Stop Time | Before 5:10 p.m. ET |
| Ground Stop Lifted | Around 7 p.m. ET |
| Flights Delayed | Nearly 500 |
| Average Delay Post-Incident | Approximately 39 minutes |
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Additional Resources
- Fox News: Ground Stop Issued at Atlanta Airport
- 11Alive: Ground Stop at Atlanta Airport
- CBS News: Ground Stop Lifted at Atlanta Airport
- Wikipedia: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Google Search: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International 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.
