(ATLANTA, GEORGIA) — LATAM Flight 2482 from Lima, Peru made a hard landing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Tuesday after all rear landing gear tires failed, forcing an emergency response and passenger evacuation. If you’re booked on LATAM in or out of Atlanta this week, expect possible knock-on delays as the aircraft is inspected and the FAA investigation begins.
What happened on the flight
The Boeing 767-300ER touched down at 7:38 p.m. on Jan. 6, 2026, which was 17 minutes ahead of its scheduled 7:55 p.m. arrival time. The flight time was seven hours and 24 minutes.
Passenger accounts described a landing that quickly turned from routine to violent. One traveler, Liza Karseno, said it felt like the wheels “had popped off.” Another passenger described heavy shaking and a “wheel rattling,” and claimed a lavatory door came loose during the rollout.
Emergency fire units surrounded the widebody after it came to a stop on the runway. Passengers later evacuated and were taken by bus to the terminal gate area. No injuries were reported.
About the aircraft and likely causes
The LATAM 767-300ER can carry up to 221 passengers plus crew, depending on configuration. The 767 is a long-haul workhorse but is an older twin-aisle type compared with newer Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s found across the South American market.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating. Early reports did not specify what triggered the tire failures or whether any additional landing gear components were damaged.
Tire failures can stem from several factors, including:
- Foreign object debris (FOD)
- Brake heat
- Tire pressure issues
- Hard touchdowns
Operational ripple effects
Even when everyone walks away, events like this can still ripple through schedules. A widebody taken out of service can disrupt multiple days of flying, especially on long‑haul routes with limited spare aircraft.
A few operational consequences to expect:
- Aircraft inspections and paperwork that can take hours to days
- Possible equipment swaps that disrupt aircraft rotations
- Knock-on delays and missed connections across the evening bank
⚠️ Heads Up: Even a short runway closure during a busy travel stretch can create arrival holds and missed connections. If you have a tight domestic connection in ATL after an international arrival, build in more buffer than usual.
What you can reasonably ask for if your trip is disrupted
Here’s a quick guide to what to request immediately and what typically happens to miles/points:
| If your flight is… | What to request right away | What happens to your miles/points |
|---|---|---|
| Delayed for hours | Rebooking on the next available LATAM option, plus meal/hotel help if offered | Your earning typically follows the flown ticket, not the original schedule |
| Canceled | A refund to the original payment method, or rerouting to your destination | Refunded tickets usually don’t earn miles or status credit |
| You misconnect in ATL | Rebooking protection to your final city, and bags rerouted | Partner flights may credit differently if your routing changes |
Practical tips when dealing with rebooking:
- Ask for immediate rebooking if your flight is delayed or canceled.
- Request meal or hotel assistance if the delay incurs overnight stays and if LATAM offers it.
- If you misconnect, insist on protection to your final city and confirmation that your checked bags will be rerouted.
Loyalty, award tickets, and partner airlines
LATAM is closely tied to Delta through their joint venture. That affects:
- Earning Delta SkyMiles and Medallion Qualification Dollars, which depend on fare class and ticket number if you credit to Delta.
- If LATAM reroutes you onto another airline, keep every boarding pass until your account credits correctly.
On the redemption side, if you booked with points:
- Many programs redeposit miles and taxes for free during major irregular operations, though policies vary by program and ticket type.
- If your award was issued through Delta, ask Delta to reissue the ticket cleanly before accepting a new routing.
Alternative routings from Atlanta to Lima
Atlanta is Delta’s biggest hub, so Delta’s network can be the fastest rescue option within the same corporate family. If LATAM seats are unavailable, common one‑stop alternatives to Lima include:
- American Airlines via Miami (MIA)
- United Airlines via Houston (IAH) or Newark (EWR)
- Copa Airlines via Panama City (PTY)
These options can be helpful but may change:
- Baggage rules and seat assignments
- Mileage accrual depending on which loyalty program you credit
⚠️ If LATAM rebooks you onto a different airline, ask for your new ticket number and confirmation, then re-check your seat and bag allowance.
Customs, connections, and traveler checklist
For international arrivals, remember the usual steps still apply:
- Clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Recheck bags if required, even on through itineraries
- A late gate arrival can turn a “safe” connection into a sprint
If you’re flying LATAM into or out of Atlanta through the weekend:
- Check your flight status before leaving for the airport
- Screenshot your original itinerary
- Avoid booking connections under 90 minutes until schedules stabilize
LATAM Flight 2482’s safe outcome is the headline, but the next few days will matter for travelers as aircraft inspections, paperwork, and equipment swaps affect the Lima–Atlanta lane.
A LATAM flight from Lima experienced a serious landing gear failure at Atlanta Airport on January 6, 2026. Despite all rear tires failing, the pilot landed the Boeing 767 safely with no injuries. The FAA is currently investigating the cause, which could range from debris to mechanical issues. Travelers are advised to anticipate schedule disruptions and check status through partner Delta.
