A Delta Air Lines flight arriving at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on Tuesday, 16-Jun-2026 sparked a massive emergency response from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) after initial reports of landing gear trouble.
Delta Flight 1966, an Airbus A321neo traveling from San Juan, was carrying 170 passengers, two pilots and four flight attendants.
At 4:45 p.m. local time, authorities received a call reporting an inbound aircraft with “two flat front tires”. The report prompted an immediate “normal stand by second alarm” from the department, which deployed a massive force of 46 units and 141 fire and EMS personnel to prepare for a potential emergency.
There was only “some damage” to one tire and clarified that the tire never blew, but rather suffered from tread wear. The airline noted the situation ended up being “far more precautionary than needed.” After an assessment by the maintenance team, the aircraft was deemed suitable to continue, avoiding a taxiway tire replacement.
The flight was given clearance to taxi normally to the gate under its own power.
