Delta Flight Struck by Firework on Descent to Chicago Midway

A Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta landed at Chicago Midway International Airport after the crew reported contact with a firework during descent on July 4. The aircraft departed Atlanta at 7:36 p.m. ET and touched down at 8:38 p.m. CT. The pilot told air traffic control the plane had been struck at roughly 200 feet and that a loud bang had been heard on board.

Delta stated the flight landed without incident and taxied normally to the gate. The airline removed the aircraft from regular service for inspection once it reached the terminal. Air traffic control audio reviewed by multiple outlets captured the pilot saying, "We just had a firework hit our plane," followed by a controller noting multiple fireworks reports in the area that evening.

>"Delta flight 1076 from Atlanta (ATL) to Chicago (MDW) reportedly made contact with a firework while on descent.

A Delta spokesperson told Newsweek there were no reported injuries among passengers or crew. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it is investigating the incident. The event occurred during one of the busiest travel periods of the year, as airports handled heavy Fourth of July traffic and communities conducted fireworks displays.

Air traffic controllers had received multiple reports of fireworks near the airport that night. Federal guidance from OSHA recommends that fireworks displays near airports coordinate with aviation authorities and issue NOTAMs when necessary to alert pilots of potential hazards.