The pilots detected the smoke while still on the taxiway prior to takeoff and returned the MD-90 to the gate "in an abundance of caution," said Delta Air Lines spokeswoman Jennifer Martin. The 126 passengers on board were relocated to a new aircraft for the flight from Atlanta to New Orleans, Martin said.
No injuries were reported, said Atlanta Fire Rescue spokeswoman Janet Ward.
According to Delta's website, Flight 1305, initially scheduled to depart at 5:51 p.m., took off at 9:23 p.m.
