A Delta Air Lines aircraft reportedly carrying Carolina Panthers players veered off a taxiway after landing early Friday at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, with no injuries reported.

WSOC-TV in Charlotte reported that the plane was carrying Panthers players and staff, citing a league source.

Delta confirmed it was a charter flight. Atlanta-based Delta has long been a major charter carrier for NFL franchises and other professional and collegiate sports teams.

The Panthers played the New England Patriots in a preseason game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on Thursday night.

Delta Flight 8860 on a Boeing 767-300 left the gate at Providence, Rhode Island’s T.F. Green International Airport at about 12:45 a.m. Friday and landed in Charlotte at about 2:35 a.m., according to FlightAware.com.

The right main landing gear of the plane “exited the taxiway” after landing normally, according to the airline.

There were 188 passengers on board, who then boarded a bus to be taken to the terminal.

“We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience,” Delta said in a written statement.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Ryan Alpert, director of athletics, high-fives Karie Davis-Nozemack, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, during an NCAA college football game at Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium, Saturday, September 6, 2025, in Atlanta. Georgia Tech won 59-12 over Gardner-Webb. (Hyosub Shin AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC

Featured

The city of Atlanta opened Azalea Fresh Market downtown to help residents find affordable groceries. (Natrice Miller/AJC)