03-04-2025
Travel customers weigh in on recent emergency plane evacuation at AGS
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Thousands of patrons will soon be flying into Augusta for The Masters.
But there are questions about safety following the incident at Augusta Regional Airport Tuesday.
While some at Augusta Regional Airport have already flown in for the big tournament, others are getting ready to fly out for their vacation.
We asked passengers if they feel safe to fly following the events from Tuesday morning, and there are mixed reactions.
Video from passenger Sean O'Conor shows passengers evacuating the plane after they noticed a haze in the cabin.
American Airlines says that haze was caused by a maintenance issue.
Bret Shugarts is choosing American Airlines to fly to Rhode Island to see his son.
'It's a little nerve-racking to some degree,' said Shugarts. 'But, I still feel safe getting on. You have to—and it's probably safer than being on the roads out here, right?'
The Federal Aviation Administration is now investigating the incident.
In a preliminary report, they say along with the smoke, one passenger suffered a minor injury, and refused any medical treatment.
Peter Zervos flew into Augusta from New York to attend the big tournament.
'I still feel safe flying. I feel like those are more so anomalies than anything to be majorly concerned about. There's been a lot of stories about aviation over the last few months, but you trust the people that are handling the situation and the pilots,' said Zervos.
While some passengers say they still feel safe, others are having second thoughts.
'A little bit, but not really. It's got me a little worried now, because I take two planes, and came here on three planes from American Airlines. Sometimes, the turbulence gets a little rough, and it gets a little scary sometimes,' said Dakota Bazaldua.
'This isn't the only location that's had some issues. Obviously DCA has had several issues, and some other places as well,' Shugarts said.
Meanwhile, Augusta Regional Airport is making mass preparations for the influx of visitors—they say part of that preparation is ensuring all customers feel safe to travel in the skies.
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