‘Breathe through your clothes!’ Panic on Delta flight as mysterious haze fills cabin

A routine flight from Atlanta to Columbia, South Carolina turned into a terrifying ordeal on Monday when a thick haze filled the cabin, forcing the Delta Air Lines flight to make an emergency return to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Passengers gasped for air as the mysterious mist spread just minutes after takeoff, with some yelling: “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke!” 

Panic set in as visibility dropped and breathing became difficult. The flight crew of the Boeing 717 acted fast, declaring an emergency and turning back immediately.

A race against time

The aircraft — carrying 94 passengers, three flight attendants, and two pilots — rushed back to Atlanta, making a tense landing at 9 am. 

Emergency slides deployed as passengers were ordered to evacuate onto the tarmac. Atlanta Fire Rescue teams rushed in to assist.

“We could barely breathe,” recalled Johnny, a passenger on board, told US media. “It felt like the air was being choked out of the cabin.”

Passengers left without answers

The flight crew followed procedures to return to Atlanta when a haze inside the aircraft was observed after departure. The airline has yet to explain what caused the haze, leaving shaken passengers frustrated. 

Kristin Morris, another traveller, described to CNN the chaotic scene on board:

"At first, we didn’t know what was happening. Then the haze got thicker. People were coughing. Some started screaming. It felt like forever before we landed."

Once safely on the ground, passengers were taken into a conference room while Delta investigated. 

Hours later, they were sent on their way — still without an explanation.

Delta responds

Delta Air Lines confirmed the incident, stating: “Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people, and we apologise to our customers for the experience.”

Though the event caused moderate airport disruptions, Delta assured passengers they would be rebooked to their destinations.

Authorities said what happened inside the Boeing 717 that left passengers gasping for air will be subject to investigation.