On Feb 3rd, 2026, a Delta Air Lines Airbus A320-200, registration N356NW, operating flight DL-1676 from San Antonio, Texas to Atlanta, Georgia, was forced to return shortly after departure following a serious engine warning.
The aircraft, carrying 143 people on board, had just lifted off from San Antonio’s runway 22 and was climbing out when the flight crew declared Mayday, reporting a fire indication on engine #2, a CFM56. Although the engine was not shut down, it was reduced to idle power as a precaution while the crew coordinated an immediate return to the departure airport.
The A320 reversed course and landed safely back on runway 22 approximately 25 minutes after departure. Emergency services were standing by, and the aircraft rolled out without further incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the event, stating that Delta Air Lines Flight 1676 returned safely to San Antonio International Airport around 11 a.m. local time after the crew reported an engine issue. The FAA noted that the aircraft had been en route to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and that the incident is under investigation.
Following the precautionary landing, the aircraft remained on the ground in San Antonio for about 26 hours before being positioned to Atlanta. As of around 21.5 hours after arrival in Atlanta, the aircraft had not yet returned to active service.
The incident underscores how quickly modern flight crews respond to potential engine fire indications, prioritizing a safe return even when the situation remains controlled.
