Atlanta Air Traffic Control Tower Evacuated Following Fire Alarm, Gas Smell
ATLANTA, GA – The world’s busiest airport experienced a ground stop Friday evening after the Atlanta air traffic control tower was evacuated due to a fire alarm and reported gas smell. All departures were halted and landings severely restricted for approximately 41 minutes, impacting hundreds of flights and thousands of travelers.
The disruption at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport underscores the challenges facing the nation’s air traffic control system during the ongoing government shutdown. While controllers are deemed essential personnel and required to work without pay, staffing concerns have arisen nationwide. This incident raises questions about the potential for similar disruptions as the shutdown continues and essential workers face financial strain.
According to FlightAware data, no planes took off from Atlanta between 5:11 p.m. and 5:52 p.m. Only about five planes were able to land during the same period. A pilot landing at the airport reported to othre pilots, “We actually just landed uncontrolled,” adding, “We’re just trying to see what to do next.” Another pilot confirmed the unusual situation, stating, “nobody has taxied, landed or taken off other than you in the last 15 minutes.”
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Department investigated the situation and gave the all-clear, allowing controllers to resume directing flights. Takeoffs and landings resumed just before 6 p.m.
Air traffic controllers are considered essential employees and are required to work during the government shutdown, but will not receive paychecks until the shutdown ends. Staffing shortages have been reported at air traffic control facilities across the country this week, though Atlanta was not listed as short-staffed in Friday evening’s operations plan.
