Probe initiated following a close call: AeroMéxico aircraft nearly collides mid-air with Delta Air Lines 737 during takeoff.
Mexico's aviation safety record has been on an upward trajectory, regaining the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) top "Category One" safety rating in September 2023, following technical assistance from the U.S. to address earlier safety issues [1][3][5]. However, a recent incident at Mexico City's Benito Juárez International Airport has cast a shadow over this progress.
On Monday, an AeroMexico regional jet nearly collided with a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 during landing at the same airport. FlightRadar24 data showed the AeroMéxico plane flew just 200 feet above the Delta jet before landing, prompting Delta’s crew to abort their takeoff and return to the gate safely [2][4][5].
The incident occurred on July 21, 2025, and audio recordings revealed surprise from the crew or controllers, indicating an unexpected breach of protocol [2][4][5]. This close call has raised concerns about adherence to safety protocols and the possibility of human error by air traffic controllers in managing simultaneous landing and takeoff clearances on parallel runways.
Delta reported the incident to Mexican aviation authorities, the FAA, and the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States, and commended their crew for maintaining situational awareness and acting quickly [1][2][3]. An official investigation is now underway, with Mexico's aviation authorities, the FAA, and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board scrutinising the details of the incident [1][3][5].
It is worth noting that Mexico's aviation regulators are internationally recognised for their rigorous standards [6]. However, this near-collision incident highlights continuing challenges in operational safety and oversight that need to be addressed.
No further information has been released regarding any injuries or damages caused by the near collision, or the cause of the incident itself. The airline industry and aviation authorities will be closely watching the outcome of the investigation to ensure measures are taken to prevent a similar incident in the future.
CNN's Gerardo Lemos and Alexandra Skores contributed to this report.
References: [1] CNN, (2023), Mexico regains top FAA safety rating after addressing safety issues. [Online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/mexico-aviation-safety-faarating/index.html [2] CNN, (2025), Near-collision between AeroMexico and Delta planes at Mexico City airport under investigation. [Online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/aeromexico-delta-near-collision-mexico-city/index.html [3] Reuters, (2025), Delta Air Lines, Aeroméxico planes involved in near collision in Mexico City. [Online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/delta-air-lines-aeromexico-planes-involved-near-collision-mexico-city-2025-07-21/ [4] FlightRadar24, (2025), Near-collision between AeroMexico and Delta planes. [Online] Available at: https://www.flightradar24.com/data/aircraft/nm1250/5473561b [5] The Guardian, (2025), Near-collision between AeroMexico and Delta planes at Mexico City airport. [Online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/21/near-collision-between-aeromexico-and-delta-planes-at-mexico-city-airport [6] ICAO, (n.d.), Mexico. [Online] Available at: https://www.icao.int/safety/audits/easa/Mexico.aspx
- In the aftermath of the near-collision incident between AeroMexico and Delta Air Lines aircraft at Mexico City's Benito Juárez International Airport on July 21, 2025, concerns about operational safety and potential human error by air traffic controllers have arisen.
- Following the near-collision incident, the aviation industry, finance institutions, and regulatory bodies will be closely monitoring the ongoing investigation to implement necessary measures and prevent future incidents, ensuring the safety of passengers and maintaining confidence in Mexico's aviation and transportation sector.
