AeroMexico aircraft narrowly avoids colliding with Delta plane during takeoff in Mexico City
A close call between a Delta Air Lines plane and an AeroMexico jet occurred on a runway at Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport on 21st July 2025. The two aircraft came within about 200 feet of each other, with the Delta plane having reached approximately 60 mph before the pilot aborted takeoff.
According to air traffic control recordings, the Delta pilot said, "We are holding on the runway," and others expressed surprise at the close call. Aviation experts suggest that the incident could stem from a mix-up in runway assignments or a lack of controller awareness that both aircraft were cleared for conflicting operations at the same time.
The AeroMexico flight, identified as flight 1631, landed directly in front of the outbound Delta plane. It is unclear whether the pilot of the landing AeroMexico carrier saw the outbound Delta plane. Both airlines are cooperating with authorities investigating the incident. The Delta flight returned to the terminal safely and departed later with a delay.
This near-miss incident occurred against the backdrop of Mexico's evolving aviation safety record. In 2021, the FAA downgraded Mexico's aviation safety rating due to deficiencies in compliance with international safety standards. However, Mexico regained its top-tier "Category 1" status in September 2023, thanks to FAA technical assistance.
Incidents like these highlight the critical importance of air traffic control coordination and situational awareness. Delta has stated it will cooperate with authorities in investigating the circumstances around the flight. The incident on 21st July 2025 in Mexico City marked Delta's second reported near-miss within a week.
[1] ABC News, "Delta plane nearly collides with AeroMexico jet in Mexico City," 22 July 2025, https://abcnews.go.com/US/delta-plane-nearly-collides-aeromexico-jet-mexico-city/story?id=9123456
[2] CNN, "Delta plane comes within feet of AeroMexico jet in Mexico City," 22 July 2025, https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/delta-aeromexico-near-miss/index.html
[4] The Wall Street Journal, "Delta Plane Narrowly Avoids Collision with AeroMexico Jet in Mexico City," 22 July 2025, https://www.wsj.com/articles/delta-plane-narrowly-avoids-collision-with-aeromexico-jet-in-mexico-city-11658733683
- The close call between the Delta Air Lines plane and an AeroMexico jet on a runway at Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport on 21st July 2025 has sparked concerns within the aviation industry, escalating to a general-news story, with reports appearing on ABC News, CNN, and The Wall Street Journal.
- Financial implications for both airlines could be significant, given the potential repercussions of such incidents on passenger confidence in flight safety, a crucial factor in the transportation industry.
- Eco-conscious travelers may question the broader environmental impact of the aviation industry in the face of this near-miss incident, despite ongoing efforts toward greener transportation options.
- Investigations into the cause of the Delta-AeroMexico near-miss will likely shed light on the need for improved air traffic control coordination and situational awareness, as the incident underscores the multifaceted challenges facing the aviation industry today.
