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The Airbus A330-323 had been heading to Atlanta in the United States when an explosion was reported moments after departure
11:05, Mon, Mar 30, 2026 Updated: 11:09, Mon, Mar 30, 2026
Dramatic moment a jet engine explodes seconds after take-off at Sao Paulo’s Guarulhos Airport (Image: BGR LIVE/Youtube)
A Delta Air Lines flight burst into flames just seconds after take-off from Sao Paulo's Guarulhos International Airport in Brazil, sparking panic among passengers on board. The Airbus A330-323 had been heading to Atlanta in the United States when an explosion was reported moments after departure shortly before midnight on Sunday.
Dramatic video footage appears to show burning debris falling from the aircraft and setting grass alight near the runway as emergency crews rushed to respond. The pilot declared a "Mayday" call before turning the plane around and making an emergency landing after the aircraft reached around 4,500ft. Flight tracking data showed the journey lasted just over nine minutes before the jet returned safely to the airport. Nearly 300 passengers were reportedly on board the aircraft at the time of the incident.
There were no immediate reports of any injuries, despite the terrifying scenes captured on video.
In a conversation with the flight crew, an air traffic controller warned: “Delta, you have fire on your wings” before the pilot replied: “We know, we will need to return.”
Emergency responders were seen tackling a fire near the runway caused by debris from the aircraft.
Images from the scene showed scorched material on the ground after the plane came down safely, with firefighters quickly bringing the blaze under control.
Delta Air Lines said on its website it had cancelled flight DL0104 due to mechanic problems and apologised for the inconvenience.
The falling debris caused a fire next to the runway (Image: SBGR LIVE/Youtube)
The airline has not yet provided further details about what caused the explosion, while an investigation into the fire is expected to take place.
The incident comes as a major European country has closed its airspace to US warplanes involved in the conflict with Iran.
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US planes involved in the war will not be allowed to land at bases in Spain or use its airspace.
Since the start of the war, Spain has not allowed fighter jets or other US warplanes to use the Rota (Cádiz) and Morón de la Frontera (Seville) airbases.
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