Planes are back in the air after evacuation at Augusta airport
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Planes are flying again out of Augusta Regional Airport after an American Airlines flight was evacuated Tuesday morning.
An airport official says it was an inbound flight from Charlotte.
Upon landing, officials noticed a haze in the aircraft. The aircraft pulled over and engers evacuated, according to airport officials.
Airport officials say engers were safely removed.
“American Eagle flight 5406, operated by PSA Airlines, with service from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Augusta Regional Airport (AGS), experienced a maintenance issue after landing safely in Augusta. All engers deplaned and were escorted to the airport terminal. The safety of our customers is our top priority, and we apologize for the inconvenience,” a spokesperson for American Airlines told News 12.
Aiken businesses, residents get ready for golf week events
Aiken officials says golf week is one of their busiest weeks of the year, and preparations start as early as December.
Aircraft rescue and fire responded to the scene, but there was no fire reported.
The aircraft was scheduled to leave Augusta Regional Airport at 11, but as since been canceled.
Airport officials say it should be the only flight affected.
Thankfully, Tuesday’s situation wasn’t as bad as it could’ve been, but still a scary situation nonetheless.
It’s an inconvenience for those who have to reschedule their flight, but the most important thing to keep in mind here is that all engers are safe.
“I won’t be able to make it to work tomorrow morning, whoever is watching,” said Carlene Shropshire, whose flight was impacted.
Grounded by an unexpected delay.
“I overheard somebody talking randomly that it was a problem about a fire,” said Shropshire. “The fire department was on the plane, but I didn’t actually see it, so I don’t know for sure. All I know is that they canceled the flight.”
The evacuation left some engers looking for plan B – engers like Shropshire.
Richmond County deputies complete K-9 handler course
The office says deputies Marin-Pelaez and Wade Banks completed the narcotics handler course. Both are now qualified Richmond County K-9-unit handlers.
“Today I was supposed to be there at 3:00 p.m., and that was completely canceled,” said Shropshire.
Her original plan to fly from Augusta to Charlotte to Jacksonville isn’t what she expected, but luckily, she found an early morning flight out of Augusta.
“I’ll be leaving out here at 4:30, 5:00 a.m., I think, and I should be back in Jacksonville at 9:00 a.m.,” she said.. " I’d rather they have precautions to make sure everything’s all right, versus you get in the air and something terrible happens.”
Again, all engers were safely evacuated off the plane, which is a good thing to hear considering the thousands of visitors expected to fly into this airport in the days to come.
This comes at a busy time for Augusta as thousands of patrons come into the city for the highly anticipated Masters Tournament.
Airport officials say Delta Air Lines and American Airlines will offer additional direct flights to and from Augusta to accommodate increased travel demand.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
