A Delta Air Lines jet was struck by a firework as it descended into Chicago on America's 250th Independence Day, with pilots telling air traffic control they 'definitely felt a big bang'. The aircraft, carrying 52 passengers and six crew, landed safely moments later without declaring an emergency.
The incident forms part of a broader pattern of aviation disruption tied to the nationwide America250 celebrations on 4 July 2026, which also saw flight suspensions in Washington, DC. Chicago police have since said the firework caused only minor paint damage to the plane's exterior, though Delta's own post-landing inspection found no damage requiring further action.
