Plane Aborts Landing After 'Joke' From Air Traffic Control

Plane Aborts Landing After 'Joke' From Air Traffic Control

A Delta plane was forced to circle the airport for over an hour last Wednesday after an air traffic controller "joked" the plane wasn't allowed to land.

Flight 630 was a mere 1,000 feet from the ground over Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport when air traffic control told the pilot to "go around" because he couldn't land yet.

Then, moments later, the controller gave a different instruction: “I’m kidding, Delta 630. After you land, I’ve got no one behind you. Expect to exit right. Delta 630 you’re clear to land on (runway) 27-Left.”

It was too late -- the plane had already altered course and was forced to climb to roughly 4,000 feet and circle the airport for another 15 minutes, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports, while the "joke" was straightened out on the ground.

When making your own in-flight entertainment, it's best to refrain from comedy.

This article has been updated with local reporting as to the flight path after the aborted landing. Previously, this article cited the Daily Mail, which reported different information.

Before You Go

10. London Heathrow Airport, London, United Kingdom

The World's Best Airports For 2014

Popular in the Community

Close

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

MORE IN LIFE