A Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 was hit by a firework while on final approach to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), according to several media sources.
The incident happened around 20.30 local time on July 4, 2026, as flight DL1076, inbound from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, was preparing to land at Chicago’s secondary airport.
Pilots on the Delta Air Lines flight were heard over the radio telling air traffic control (ATC) that they had heard a loud bang underneath the airplane at an altitude of 200 feet and stated the aircraft would need to be checked when it reached the gate.
The aircraft continued the standard approach procedure and landed without further incident. No injuries were reported. It is not known how many passengers and crew were onboard, since neither the airline or the US aviation authorities have issued an official statement.
At the time of the incident, fireworks were going off across the United States as the nation celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.