The air traffic control tower at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was temporarily evacuated on Friday night following reports of a fire alarm and the odor of gas, as stated by the Federal Aviation Administration. During the evacuation, controllers initiated an “ATC Zero” status, which suspended all tower air traffic services and led to a ground stop for incoming flights. Some aircraft already in the air managed to land with assistance from approach controllers, while departures at the busy airport experienced delays as personnel addressed the emergency, according to CNN. A controller communicated to a pilot, ‘Just keep taxiing V then F,’ as recorded by LiveATC.net. ‘We’re evacuating, so we are going ATC Zero, so you can call the ramp when you get close.’
A ground stop was enacted for flights approaching the airport, resulting in delays for takeoffs. Some flights already in the air were able to land with the help of approach controllers, who typically guide aircraft to the airport before transferring them to the tower for landing.
“We actually just landed uncontrolled,” a pilot from a flight that originated in Greensboro, South Carolina, informed fellow pilots.
“We’re just trying to determine our next steps.”
“No one has taxied, landed, or taken off except for you in the last 15 minutes,” another pilot remarked. Flights were grounded around 5 pm ET. The FAA indicated that the ground stop was initiated due to an alarm triggered by a “strong” gas fume smell. First responders were on-site at the airport, as reported by FOX 5 Atlanta. Controllers resumed managing flights, and takeoffs and landings recommenced just prior to 6 p.m. Air traffic controllers are classified as essential personnel and are mandated to work during the government shutdown, although they will not receive compensation until it is resolved. This week, staffing shortages have been noted at air traffic control centers nationwide as some controllers opted to remain at home. Nevertheless, Atlanta was not identified as experiencing a staffing shortage in the operations plan released on Friday evening.
