MEXICO CITY— A near-collision occurred between Delta Air Lines (DL) and Aeromexico Connect (5D) at Benito Juárez International Airport (MEX), involving an Atlanta-bound Delta flight and an inbound Aeromexico jet. The incident, captured via flight tracking data, revealed no injuries.
The event unfolded around 7:30 a.m. on Monday when Aeromexico Connect flight 5D1631 from Aguascalientes (AGU) was on final approach as Delta flight DL590 prepared for takeoff toward Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
Photo: By Colin Brown Photography – https://www.flickr.com/photos/145232442@N02/48434296571/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81314997Air Traffic Control Error Behind Runway Close Call
Preliminary information suggests that an air traffic control (ATC) lapse led to the dangerous runway overlap at Mexico City International Airport (MEX).
According to reports from Mexican outlet El Financiero, the ATC tower mistakenly cleared both flights for the same runway usage in close succession, creating a serious hazard.
FlightRadar24 playback shows Aeromexico’s Embraer E190LR, registration XA-ALP, flying low over the Delta Boeing 737-832, registration N3766, as it was positioning for departure. The Delta pilots quickly aborted their takeoff and taxied back to the gate without further incident.
This mishap is particularly alarming given Mexico City’s history of runway incursion risks. The airport operates two closely parallel runways that are often subject to high traffic density and operational complexities.
An airport source characterized this event as even “more serious” than the 2022 Volaris incident at the same airport, where two aircraft nearly collided due to a similar tower error. That previous case had triggered the resignation of the director of Mexico’s Air Navigation Services (SENEAM).
As of now, neither Mexico’s civil aviation authorities nor the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States has publicly commented on the incident. The airport authorities have maintained silence, reportedly handling the matter with strict confidentiality.
While no injuries occurred, aviation safety experts emphasize that such close calls underscore persistent vulnerabilities in ATC operations, particularly in high-density airspaces like Mexico City (MEX).
Stakeholders now await potential investigations that could lead to procedural reforms or personnel accountability.
Photo: By Alan Wilson – Boeing 737-932ER(w) 'N804DN’ Delta, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33925292Safety Challenges at Mexico City Airport
Mexico City International Airport faces ongoing operational stress due to heavy traffic and its constrained geographic location. Previous safety incidents, including the 2022 Volaris near miss, have exposed the need for robust ATC protocols and better coordination among flight operators.
These challenges have also fueled debates over the adequacy of infrastructure and the training of ATC personnel at MEX.
Without public accountability or detailed reporting on incidents like these, concerns about runway safety are likely to persist among airlines and passengers alike.
Photo: Andrew E. CohenSimilar Incident
A Delta Connection (DL) Embraer E175, operated by SkyWest Airlines (OO), narrowly avoided a mid-air collision with a US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress over North Dakota (ND).
The incident occurred on flight DL3788 between Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) and Minot International Airport (MOT).
The near-miss happened on July 19, as the aircraft approached Minot, home to Minot Air Force Base (MIB).
The Delta Connection pilot executed a sharp evasive maneuver, preventing disaster and earning passenger praise for his transparency post-incident.
Mid-Air Encounter Near Minot
Delta flight DL3788 was nearing Minot International Airport (MOT) when air traffic controllers issued instructions to adjust course due to separation concerns with a preceding aircraft.
While complying, the flight crew visually detected a B-52 bomber approaching on a collision trajectory. The B-52 was operating from Minot Air Force Base (MIB), located near the civilian airport.
Without prior notification of military traffic, the Delta pilot made a critical decision to turn behind the bomber, ensuring safe clearance. The action, although abrupt, was effective and averted a potential disaster.
Passengers seated on the aircraft’s right side reported seeing the massive bomber in unsettling proximity.
The pilot promptly addressed passengers, explaining the need for the sudden maneuver and apologizing for the unexpected event. His candor and swift action were met with understanding and even applause from onboard travelers.
Photo: By Carlos Menendez San Juan – B-52 Stratofortress, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=37272829Radar and Communication Gaps at Minot
Minot International Airport (MOT) lacks an independent radar system, relying instead on visual procedures for aircraft separation during approach. This limitation becomes particularly significant given Minot’s proximity to a major military base, where heavy bomber operations are routine.
Although military radars monitor the airspace, no advisory regarding the B-52’s presence was issued to civilian air traffic controllers. This communication lapse between military and civilian authorities was a key factor in the near-miss scenario.
The Delta pilot himself remarked on the irregularity of such encounters, especially in a region with known military activity and radar capabilities. The absence of coordination heightened the risk, emphasizing the need for improved protocols in shared airspace zones.
Pilot’s Leadership and Passenger Response
The Delta pilot’s immediate and transparent communication following the incident played a crucial role in maintaining passenger calm. His explanation provided clarity about the circumstances and demonstrated responsible cockpit leadership under pressure.
Some observers suggested the post-event briefing also served to decompress the flight crew after the high-stress encounter. Nevertheless, the candid approach was appreciated by passengers, who recognized the pilot’s expertise and swift judgment.
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