Fuel Spill Chaos at DFW Airport After American Airlines Jet Doused in Fuel

Chaos erupted at Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) after an American Airlines regional jet was accidentally doused in jet fuel during a refueling mishap, causing major disruptions amid ongoing challenges from the U.S. government shutdown.

The incident occurred when a ground crew member refueling an American Eagle aircraft lost control of a fueling hose at Terminal E. The aircraft involved in the incident was a Bombardier CRJ-900, operated by PSA Airlines on behalf of American Eagle. According to witnesses, the worker had just completed the fueling process when the hose detached unexpectedly, whipping across the tarmac and spewing a torrent of jet fuel. Video footage captured the shocking moment as the worker stepped back in disbelief while flammable fuel poured from the hose for nearly a minute before it was shut off.

Emergency personnel quickly arrived to contain the spill, using absorbent materials and closing nearby gates during cleanup. Fortunately, no injuries or damage were reported, and airport operations resumed shortly afterward.

American Airlines, which operates the American Eagle brand through regional partners, confirmed the event in a statement: “We are aware of a fueling issue that occurred on Oct. 10 involving an American Eagle aircraft parked at Terminal E,” the airline said. “We are working closely with DFW Airport and its fueling contractor, Menzies, on the cleanup and investigation in accordance with standard procedures.”

The incident adds to a string of recent operational setbacks for American Airlines. Earlier in October, a flight from Detroit to Chicago was delayed for more than 10 hours due to a clogged lavatory, forcing the airline to find a replacement aircraft. Days later, an American Airlines flight from Charlotte to Montego Bay was forced to turn back mid-flight after two unruly passengers caused a disturbance, delaying the trip by four hours.

As the federal government shutdown continues into its second week, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has warned of widespread air traffic delays caused by controller shortages and technical issues across major U.S. hubs, including New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

“It is safe to fly, but ATC staffing shortages strain the system and cause flights to be spaced out, slowing down everything,” Airlines for America, a trade group representing major U.S. carriers including American Airlines, said in a statement.

The DFW fueling mishap serves as a reminder of the mounting operational pressure airlines face as they navigate staff shortages, maintenance challenges, and unexpected disruptions during one of the most turbulent periods in recent U.S. aviation history.

Sources: yahoo.com, reuters.com