A collision involving two Delta Air Lines planes occurred early Tuesday morning at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the busiest airport in the world. The incident involved a Delta Airbus A350, carrying 221 passengers, and a smaller Delta CRJ 900 regional jet operated by Endeavor Airlines with 56 passengers. The collision occurred during taxiing for takeoff, with the wingtip of the Airbus A350 striking the tail of the regional jet.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Passengers from the regional flight were swiftly transported back to the terminal, while both flights were grounded. Delta has assured passengers that they will be accommodated on alternate flights.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the runway and nearby taxiways were closed due to the incident, causing significant disruption at the airport. The FAA, along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), are now investigating the cause of the collision. This investigation will determine the contributing factors leading to the incident and aim to prevent similar events in the future.
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, known for its massive passenger volume, is expected to handle a staggering 110 million passengers in 2024. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in the aviation industry, even amidst the constant bustle of a major international airport.
