A Delta flight experienced a potentially dangerous situation during takeoff at Benito Juárez Mexico City International Airport when a regional Aeromexico jet landed on the same runway moments before Delta flight 590 was set to take off. The incident occurred at 7:28 a.m. local time when the Boeing 737-800 had accelerated to 62 knots (approximately 71 miles per hour). The pilots were forced to apply the brakes to avoid a collision.
After the near miss, Delta’s pilots exited the runway and returned to the gate for an additional fuel stop. The flight, carrying 144 passengers and six crew members, later departed for Atlanta at 9:42 a.m. and arrived safely at 3:20 p.m. ET. Delta has emphasized its commitment to safety, stating that the quick actions of the flight crew reflect their extensive training and situational awareness.
Both Delta and Aeromexico are cooperating with investigations from the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration, and Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency. Aeromexico reaffirmed its commitment to customer and employee safety in response to the incident.
In a related aviation incident just days earlier, a SkyWest flight operating as Delta Connection faced a similar situation when its pilot maneuvered aggressively to avoid a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber while approaching a runway in Minot, North Dakota. Both incidents highlight the critical importance of communication and situational awareness in aviation safety.
The focus now remains on the investigations into both incidents, which aim to ensure that safety protocols are upheld to prevent future occurrences. Both airlines are dedicated to their passengers’ safety and are taking these matters seriously, reflecting a positive approach to aviation oversight and responsibility.