Delta Flight Hit by Fireworks During Landing in Chicago; Controller Warns of 'War Zone'

A Delta Air Lines flight landing at Chicago Midway International Airport on the evening of July 4 was reportedly struck by fireworks. The aircraft, Delta flight 1076, landed safely without any injuries reported among passengers or crew. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident.

According to aviation traffic control recordings, the Delta pilot informed the tower that the plane had been hit by fireworks, noting a loud explosion sound. The air traffic controller responded that similar reports had been received and instructed the crew to inspect the aircraft for damage upon landing. In a striking remark to another arriving flight, Southwest Airlines flight 223, the controller said, "Welcome to the war zone."

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Our plane was just hit by fireworks, I hope it just exploded below, but we did hear a loud explosion.

The Delta flight was at an altitude of approximately 200 feet (61 meters) during its descent. Small fireworks typically explode between 50 to 200 feet (15 to 61 meters), while professional-grade fireworks can reach altitudes of up to 1,200 feet (366 meters). Delta confirmed that no one was injured during the event.

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Welcome to the war zone.