Share and Follow
HOUSTON (KIAH) – An early morning Delta Air Lines flight departing from William P. Hobby Airport on Wednesday was compelled to return shortly after takeoff following what authorities described as a potential cockpit security incident.
The Houston Police Department reported responding to disturbances on the flight, indicating there was an attempt to breach the cockpit. However, details regarding the cause of the incident or those involved have not been disclosed by officials.
Delta Air Lines informed Nexstar’s KIAH that Flight 2557, which was en route from Houston (HOU) to Atlanta (ATL), returned to the airport around 5:25 a.m. local time. The decision was made due to a passenger’s “disruptive and unlawful conduct” toward fellow passengers.
“We can confirm that the individual approached both crew members and passengers but did not attempt to make contact with or access the cockpit,” a Delta representative clarified. The flight declared an emergency to secure priority landing clearance and touched down safely, where law enforcement was on standby to handle the situation.
The Boeing 717 aircraft, carrying 85 passengers and five crew members, eventually resumed its journey, departing once more for Atlanta. The flight was anticipated to arrive approximately 90 minutes later than originally scheduled.
“The safety of our customers and crew is paramount, and Delta has zero tolerance for unruly behavior. We apologize to our customers for this experience and delay in their travels,” the airline said.
Delta deferred further comment to law enforcement.