Atlanta, Georgia, October 10, 2025
News Summary
A ground stop was enforced at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport after a gas smell prompted an evacuation of the FAA control tower. The stop lasted about 41 minutes, significantly disrupting operations with hundreds of flight delays and cancellations. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and investigations revealed no gas was found in the control tower. The situation highlighted the airport’s critical role on a busy travel day with approximately 114,000 expected travelers.
Atlanta, Georgia – A ground stop was issued at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Friday due to a gas smell and subsequent fire alarm. The ground stop commenced around 5 p.m. ET and was lifted before 6 p.m. following an evacuation of the FAA control tower prompted by reports of strong gas fumes in the area. A significant impact on airport operations was noted, as no planes were allowed to take off between 5:11 p.m. and 5:52 p.m., with only about five planes landing during the incident.
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department responded quickly to the scene to investigate the situation. Initially, the FAA had reported a fire at the control tower, but this was later clarified to be a gas smell that led to the evacuation. During the time the ground stop was in effect, air traffic controllers were placed under “ATC Zero” status, which meant that no air traffic control services were being provided. This disruption resulted in a significant increase in delays, which jumped from over 280 to 360, with nearly 600 canceled flights reported by the end of the day.
On a busy travel day, approximately 114,000 passengers were expected at the airport, which is one of the busiest travel hubs in the world and was heading towards a record number of travelers. Despite the serious situation, there were no injuries reported from the evacuation of the FAA tower. In response to the disruption, a secondary control tower was set up to help manage ongoing flights. It’s important to note that air traffic controllers and TSA officers were working without pay due to the ongoing government shutdown.
Following investigations, FAA officials stated that no gas was found in the control tower, which mitigated further concerns regarding the incident. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is known for its significant passenger traffic and its role as a critical hub for domestic and international flights.
Incident Timeline
- 5:00 p.m. ET – Ground stop issued due to gas smell.
- 5:11 p.m. – No planes allowed to take off.
- 5:52 p.m. – Ground stop lifted.
Impact on Operations
- Delays increased from over 280 to 360.
- Nearly 600 flights canceled.
- Only about five planes landed during the ground stop.
Response and Investigation
- Atlanta Fire Rescue Department investigating the situation.
- No gas found in the FAA control tower after extensive checks.
- A secondary control tower established to assist with flight management.
Background on Airport Activity
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest in the world, frequently experiencing heavy passenger traffic. On the day of this incident, it was gearing up for nearly 114,000 expected travelers, indicative of its critical role in domestic and international air travel.
FAQs
What caused the ground stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?
A ground stop was issued due to a gas smell and fire alarm on Friday. The evacuation of the FAA tower occurred after reports of strong gas fumes were detected.
When was the ground stop lifted?
The ground stop took effect around 5 p.m. ET and was lifted before 6 p.m.
What was the impact of the ground stop on operations?
During the ground stop, typical operations were significantly impacted; no planes took off between 5:11 p.m. and 5:52 p.m. Only about five planes landed during the stop, with some pilots reporting they were landing without formal air traffic control guidance.
Key Features of Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident | Gas smell and fire alarm |
| Ground Stop Time | 5 p.m. ET to before 6 p.m. |
| Planes Impacted | No takeoffs from 5:11 p.m. to 5:52 p.m.; five landings |
| Flight Cancellations | Approximately 600 canceled flights |
| Expected Passengers | Approximately 114,000 |
| Injuries Reported | No injuries reported |
| FAA Control Tower Status | Evacuated and investigated; no gas found |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- CNN: Atlanta Control Tower Evacuated
- Wikipedia: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Fox News: Ground Stop Issued at Atlanta Airport
- Google Search: Atlanta Airport Ground Stop
- CBS News: Ground Stop Lifted at Atlanta Airport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Atlanta News First: Tractor Trailer Fire Shuts Down I-285
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.
