Particle.news
Download on the App Store
5 ARTICLES
·
2h ago

Ground Stop Lifted After Gas Odor Forces Evacuation of Atlanta’s Airport Control Tower

Officials have launched a safety investigation into a reported gas odor with the cause still undetermined.

The air traffic control tower is seen from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport terminal, in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 15.
The air traffic control tower can be seen from the Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport terminal, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. May 15, 2025. REUTERS/Megan Varner
Atlanta International Airport
Image

Overview

  • Airport officials said the alert was lifted shortly before 6 p.m. after a temporary pause in flights at Hartsfield-Jackson.
  • The FAA evacuated the control tower following reports of a strong gas smell, and Atlanta Fire Rescue is on scene investigating.
  • No injuries have been reported, and authorities have not said when full tower operations will resume.
  • FlightAware reported 268 delays and five cancellations at ATL during the disruption.
  • TSA anticipated roughly 114,000 travelers for the day, and the situation unfolded as controllers and screeners worked without pay during the federal shutdown, drawing statements from NATCA and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.