Aircraft from AeroMexico narrowly avoided a collision with a Delta plane during takeoff in Mexico City.
In an unexpected turn of events, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-800 (Flight 590) and an AeroMéxico regional jet (Flight 1631) came dangerously close to colliding at Mexico City's Benito Juárez International Airport on July 21, 2025.
The near-miss occurred as the Delta flight was preparing for take-off on runway 5R, when the AeroMéxico jet landed on the same runway, less than 200 feet ahead and approximately 200 feet above the Delta plane. The Delta pilots, recognising the imminent danger, aborted the takeoff at around 60 mph, applying brakes to stop on the runway and avoid a collision.
Reports suggest that the incident was caused by both aircraft being cleared by air traffic control to use the same runway simultaneously, a procedure that should have been prevented. This unfortunate incident took place amid ongoing tensions and new restrictions imposed by the Mexican government on flights entering Mexico City, which may have strained airport operations and air traffic management.
Delta has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation into the incident, praising its flight crew for their quick actions and situational awareness. The AeroMéxico plane, an Embraer 190 regional airliner, continued its journey without incident.
The Mexico City incident marks the second reported near-miss for Delta within a week, with another incident occurring at Minot International Airport in North Dakota, US. The Minot incident involved a Delta regional aircraft making an aggressive manoeuvre to avoid mid-air collision with a B-52 bomber.
Mexico regained its top-tier "Category 1" status in September 2023, following FAA technical assistance that helped resolve underlying issues. However, operational hiccups can still arise, as underscored by these incidents.
The critical importance of air traffic control coordination and situational awareness is highlighted by these incidents. The near-collision underscores the need for continued vigilance and compliance with international safety standards in the aviation industry.
The incidents have been reported to Mexican aviation authorities, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, and the National Transportation Safety Board. Other voices on the recording can be heard exclaiming, "Wow" and "Increíble," reflecting the shock of the close call.
No injuries or damages were reported in either incident. The Delta flight, scheduled to Atlanta, had to return to its terminal with 144 customers and six crew members. The AeroMéxico plane, which was carrying 68 passengers and four crew members, continued its journey.
This near-collision at Mexico City's Benito Juárez International Airport serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges faced in the aviation industry, and the need for constant vigilance and adherence to safety protocols.
- The growing concern in the general-news sector is the number of near-misses in the aviation industry, as demonstrated by the recent incident at Mexico City's Benito Juárez International Airport involving Delta Air Lines and AeroMéxico.
- Ongoing investigations into aircraft accidents, such as the Delta Flight 590 and AeroMéxico Flight 1631 near-miss, highlight the critical role of finance and the aerospace industry in ensuring the safety of air traffic and preventing future accidents.
- The aviation industry, particularly air traffic control and flight operations, is being scrutinized following the near-miss between the Delta and AeroMéxico planes, as it raises questions about the industry's adherence to safety standards and procedures.
- Efforts are underway to improve air traffic management systems and enhance cooperation between airlines and aviation authorities, as demonstrated by the ongoing investigations into recent accidents like Delta Flight 590 and AeroMéxico Flight 1631, to prevent such incidents in the future and uphold the highest safety standards in the eco-conscious aviation sector.
