Imagine being on a plane, ready for takeoff, and suddenly realizing another aircraft is landing on the same runway—welcome to the nail-biting world of aviation near-misses!
At a Glance
- Delta jet aborted takeoff to avoid collision with an Aeromexico flight.
- Incident occurred at Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport.
- Both aircraft came within 200 feet of each other.
- Investigation underway by Mexican aviation authorities.
Close Call on the Tarmac
On July 21, 2025, at Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-800 was revving up for takeoff to Atlanta when an Aeromexico Embraer E190 decided to join the party by landing directly in front of it on the same runway. The Delta flight, carrying 144 passengers, was forced to abort its takeoff only seconds before it might have turned into an impromptu aircraft sandwich. The two planes came within a terrifying 200 feet of each other, enough to leave passengers with a story they’ll be dining out on for years.
This incident occurred during peak morning hours when the airport was bustling with activity. With Mexico City’s airport famous for its complex runway operations and high traffic, it’s not entirely surprising that such a close shave occurred, though it is certainly hair-raising. The Delta crew’s quick thinking led to an aborted takeoff, and the plane returned to the gate, leaving passengers with a dose of adrenaline and one heck of a travel tale.
High Stakes in the Air
Air traffic control (ATC) at Benito Juárez International Airport cleared Delta Flight 590 for takeoff on runway 5R, while simultaneously giving Aeromexico Flight 1691 the green light to land on the same stretch of tarmac. This double booking of the runway turned into a high-stakes game of chicken—one that no one wanted to win. Such incidents underline the critical importance of clear communication and precise coordination between ATC and pilots, a dance that must be executed flawlessly to avoid catastrophe.
As the investigation unfolds, fingers are crossed for insights that will improve runway safety protocols and prevent such near-misses in the future. Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines has praised their crew for their situational awareness and adherence to safety protocols, while both airlines are committed to cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
Aviation Safety: A Global Concern
The recent incident at Mexico City’s airport is not an isolated event but part of a broader issue impacting airports worldwide. Runway incursions have been a longstanding safety concern across the globe, with the potential for disaster looming every time two aircraft come too close for comfort. This near-miss adds to a list of similar incidents that have prompted calls for regulatory scrutiny and improved safety measures.
Experts are advocating for technological solutions, such as runway status lights and advanced radar systems, to bolster safety measures. These tools could be game-changers, ensuring that high-traffic airports like Mexico City can manage their complex operations with an added layer of security.
