A Japan Airlines aircraft collided with a Delta Air Lines plane while taxiing at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, prompting an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). No injuries were reported, but the incident caused flight disruptions and raised concerns about ground safety at busy airports.
The collision occurred in an area not under direct air traffic control, according to the FAA. The Delta aircraft, bound for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, sustained damage to its wingtip. The airline arranged for passengers to board another plane to complete their journey. Meanwhile, authorities temporarily paused incoming flights while managing the situation.
FAA Investigates Ground Collision at Seattle-Tacoma Airport
The FAA confirmed that a Japan Airlines aircraft struck a Delta Air Lines jet at approximately 10:40 a.m. on Wednesday. The incident took place in a taxiing zone outside of air traffic control jurisdiction, where aircraft move independently under pilot and ground crew guidance.
Passengers aboard the Delta flight were deplaned and accommodated on a replacement aircraft. The airline issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the delay. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport authorities worked with both airlines to assist affected passengers and minimize operational disruptions.
Though no injuries were reported, the incident has drawn attention to taxiway safety protocols at major international airports. The FAA has launched an investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the collision, while the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has stated that it is monitoring the situation.
Incident Follows Recent Aviation Accidents in the U.S.
The collision in Seattle comes just a week after a fatal crash involving an American Eagle regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C..
That accident resulted in 67 fatalities, including three soldiers on board the military helicopter. Preliminary findings suggest that the Black Hawk was flying above its permitted altitude at the time of impact.
Days later, a medical transport plane crashed in Philadelphia, killing six people, including an 11-year-old patient who had recently undergone treatment. Investigators have yet to determine the cause of that crash.
The string of aviation incidents has fueled discussions about air traffic safety, both in flight and on the ground. In response, Elon Musk, who holds an advisory role within the U.S. government, has announced plans to upgrade air traffic control systems. His comments come after a recent FAA system failure disrupted flight operations nationwide.
