safety
Delta flight ‘felt a big bang’ after apparently being hit by firework while landing in Chicago
By Kara Nelson, Karina Tsui, Diego Mendoza at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 5, 2026
· 2 min read
A Delta Air Lines flight was apparently struck by fireworks as it descended into Chicago Midway International Airport on Saturday evening, according to air traffic control audio and the airline.We just had a firework hit our plane, the pilot of Delta Flight 1076 told controllers, according to the...
Key takeaway We just had a firework hit our plane, the pilot of Delta Flight 1076 told controllers, according to the audio.
Why this matters in The Waco
The incident involving a Delta flight being hit by a firework while landing in Chicago serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with fireworks in proximity to airports. In Waco , where fireworks are a staple of community celebrations, particularly around the 4th of July, this incident raises concerns about the safety of flights in and out of the Waco Regional Airport. While there have been no reported incidents of this nature in Waco, the fact that smaller consumer fireworks can reach altitudes of up to 200 feet is a sobering reminder of the potential dangers. As the Federal Aviation Administration investigates this incident, local authorities in Waco would do well to review their own protocols for managing fireworks displays near the airport to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. This incident may prompt a reevaluation of fireworks safety measures in Waco to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 5, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A Delta Air Lines flight was apparently struck by fireworks as it descended into Chicago Midway International Airport on Saturday evening, according to air traffic control audio and the airline.We just had a firework hit our plane, the pilot of Delta Flight 1076 told controllers, according to the...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 5, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kara Nelson, Karina Tsui, Diego Mendoza at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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