Firework strikes Delta flight landing in Chicago

U.S. newsFelt a ‘big bang’: Firework strikes Delta flight landing in ChicagoThe aircraft landed safely and taxied to the gate, the airline said, adding that the incident is under review.Listen to this article with a free profile00:0000:00ShareAdd NBC News to GoogleJuly 5, 2026, 2:21 PM EDTBy Mirna Alsharif and Jay BlackmanA Delta flight was struck by a firework while descending into Chicago on July Fourth, according to the airline.Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.Delta Flight 1076, traveling from Atlanta to Chicago Midway International Airport, “reportedly made contact with a firework” during landing, Delta Air Lines told NBC News.According to air traffic control audio, the flight crew reported hearing and feeling a “big bang” when the firework struck the Airbus A319.“We’re just hoping it was just the mortar that went off underneath, but definitely felt the big bang,” a crew member told air traffic control.Despite the incident, the flight landed safely and taxied to the gate without further problems, the airline said. Delta said the matter remains under evaluation.Chicago police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.ShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMirna AlsharifMirna Alsharif is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.Jay BlackmanJay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.Austin Mullen contributed.