Delta Air Lines flight returns to Los Angeles after engine fire detected during takeoff.

A Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-400 en route to Atlanta experienced an engine fire after takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport. Pilots declared an emergency and safely returned the aircraft to Los Angeles. The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation. The incident comes after a deadly crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner in June, which killed over 260 people.

A Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-400 experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport on July 2, 2025. The incident occurred while the aircraft was en route to Atlanta. The pilots immediately declared an emergency and safely returned the plane to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The aircraft, operated by Delta Air Lines, was climbing out over the Pacific Ocean when the issue arose. The plane landed safely with the engine no longer visibly burning.

This incident follows a deadly crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner on June 12, 2025, which killed over 260 people. The preliminary investigation by India’s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed that the fuel switches to the aircraft’s engines had been turned off within seconds of takeoff, causing immediate confusion in the cockpit.

Delta Air Lines spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating, "Delta Flight 446 returned to Los Angeles shortly after departure following an indication of an issue with the aircraft’s left engine."

The use of AI for ticket pricing by Delta Air Lines has also been in the spotlight. The airline has begun using AI to determine 3% of its fares, a practice that has raised concerns among consumer advocacy groups and politicians.

Investors and financial professionals should closely monitor the ongoing investigations and any developments that may impact Delta Air Lines' operations and stock performance.

References:

[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/c0k7l3p6vdno
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/boeing-delta-767-flight-fire-takeoff-atlanta-los-angeles-125072000175_1.html
[3] https://www.wbrc.com/2025/07/19/engine-fire-forces-delta-flight-make-emergency-landing/
[4] https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/07/18/AI-Delta-pricing-surveillance-airline-flight-ticket/4351752844670/
[5] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/initial-probe-finds-no-issues-with-crashed-boeing-787-air-india-ceo/articleshow/122460054.cms?from=mdr