Minor paint damage reported on Delta plane that reported being hit by firework while landing in Chicago | CNN

A Delta Air Lines flight that reported being hit by a firework as it descended into Chicago Midway International Airport on July 4 had “minor paint damage,” the Chicago Police Department confirmed Monday. “We just had a firework hit our plane,” the pilot of Delta Flight 1076 told controllers, according to air traffic control audio. “We’re just hoping it was just a mortar that went off underneath, but definitely felt a big bang.” The controller replied that there had been “multiple reports” of similar incidents and instructed the crew to head to the gate and inspect the aircraft for damage. As a subsequent Southwest Airlines flight descended into Midway, a controller warned: “Welcome to the war zone.” “That’s reassuring,” Southwest 223 responded to the warning. In the initial report, the Delta pilot added that the plane was flying at 200 feet in its descent. Smaller consumer fireworks can range from 50 to 200 feet in the air, with some professional shows having explosion altitudes as high as 1,200 feet. The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating the incident. “Delta Air Lines Flight 1076 landed safely at Chicago Midway International

Jul 5, 2026 → Jul 5, 2026