Early Monday morning, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-800 jet, designated Delta Flight 590, was preparing for takeoff from Mexico City International Airport, bound for Atlanta. As the aircraft initiated its takeoff roll, the flight crew detected another aircraft landing on the same runway, prompting an immediate decision to abort the takeoff. This incident occurred just days after a Delta regional pilot executed an ‘aggressive maneuver’ to avoid a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber, underscoring the growing concerns in the aviation industry about near-misses and procedural compliance.
According to reports from WSB-TV, Delta Flight 590 and Aeromexico Flight 1631 were merely 200 feet apart at the time of the incident. The Delta aircraft had reached speeds of approximately 60 mph before the crew decided to halt the takeoff. The crew safely brought the plane to a stop and returned to the gate, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew. The incident was not reported to be due to any mechanical failure, but rather a procedural oversight that led to the collision threat.
Delta’s spokesperson expressed full cooperation with the authorities regarding the incident, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to safety. The spokesperson highlighted the actions taken by the flight crew, which were instrumental in preventing a potential disaster. This was not an isolated incident for Delta; just a week prior, a Delta flight had to make an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport due to a visible engine fire. These recurring incidents have prompted industry experts to call for a more rigorous review of aviation protocols and crew training programs.
Aeromexico, the operator of the other aircraft involved, did not immediately comment on the incident. However, a spokesperson for the airline stated that they are working closely with the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the event. The airline reiterated its commitment to the safety of its passengers and employees, reaffirming that safety is their top priority. The Federal Aviation Administration and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board have been informed of the incident, as mandated by aviation regulations.
This incident has sparked discussions about the broader implications for aviation safety. Airlines and regulatory bodies are under increased pressure to ensure that incidents such as this do not occur in the future. Industry analysts are calling for more extensive training for flight crews and enhanced communication protocols between airlines to prevent such near-misses. The aviation industry is now closely monitoring the outcomes of this investigation to determine if any systemic issues need to be addressed.