Atlanta, Georgia, October 10, 2025
News Summary
A ground stop was implemented at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport due to reports of gas fumes triggering a fire alarm. The FAA confirmed the stop around 5 p.m. ET and evacuated the control tower as a precaution. Fire officials found no gas present, and operations resumed shortly thereafter. The incident caused significant delays for hundreds of flights amid ongoing nationwide airport disruptions.
Atlanta, Georgia
A ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was lifted on Friday afternoon following a situation involving reports of gas fumes. The ground stop went into effect around 5 p.m. ET after a fire alarm was triggered by the strong odor of gas. This incident resulted in the grounding of numerous planes, causing significant delays at one of the world’s busiest travel hubs.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the implementation of the ground stop, stating that the airport’s air traffic control tower was evacuated as a precautionary measure. First responders, including fire officials from the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, were dispatched to investigate the situation. Fortunately, no gas was found in the tower area during their assessment.
To ensure the safety and efficiency of operations, the FAA reported that a secondary air traffic control tower is being set up to facilitate a return to normalcy. Normal operations resumed shortly thereafter, and the ground stop was lifted, allowing flights to depart and arrive as scheduled.
This incident occurred amidst broader delays at airports nationwide, attributed to ongoing government shutdown issues. Flight Aware indicated that hundreds of flights were affected by the delays arising from the ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson airport.
The situation remains developing, and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available. Fox News Digital has sought additional updates from the FAA regarding the incident.
Background on Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport serves as a major gateway for air travel in the United States and is recognized for its high volume of passenger traffic. Given its busy nature, situations that lead to ground stops can have a ripple effect across multiple flight routes nationwide.
FAQ
What triggered the ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?
The ground stop was implemented due to reports of a fire alarm incident involving “strong gas fumes.”
What time did the ground stop occur?
Planes were grounded around 5 p.m. ET as a result of the situation.
When was the ground stop lifted?
Normal operations have since resumed, and the ground stop has been lifted.
Were there any significant impacts on flights?
The incident resulted in the delay of hundreds of flights at one of the world’s busiest travel hubs, according to Flight Aware.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport |
| Time of Incident | 5 p.m. ET |
| Reason for Ground Stop | Reports of strong gas fumes triggering a fire alarm |
| Response Actions | Evacuation of air traffic control tower, dispatch of first responders |
| Outcome | No gas found; normal operations resumed |
| Delay Impact | Hundreds of flights delayed |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Hartsfield-Jackson Airport Evacuated Due to Fire Alarm
Ground Stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport Due to Gas Smell
Atlanta Air Dot Show Cancel Military Performances
Delta Flight Returns to Atlanta Due to Landing Gear Issue
City of Atlanta Launches ATL BIZ Online Business Portal
Atlanta United 2 Falls to Chattanooga FC
Severe Weather Causes Flash Flooding in Atlanta
Best neighborhoods in Atlanta for young professionals in 2025: commute times, nightlife, average rent & transit‑friendly picks
Delta Air Lines Flight 682 Returns to Atlanta After Engine Issue
Atlanta Prepares for Significant Rainfall to End Dry Spell
Additional Resources
- Fox News
- Fox 5 Atlanta
- 11 Alive
- Reuters
- WSB TV
- Wikipedia: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Google Search: Hartsfield Jackson ground stop
- Google Scholar: Hartsfield Jackson airport incident
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta
- Google News: 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.


