Photo: YURI CORTEZ / AFP / Getty Images
An AeroMéxico regional jet narrowly avoided colliding with a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737 on Monday (July 21) at Mexico City's Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez. The AeroMéxico Connect flight 1631, an Embraer 190, was landing when it flew less than 200 feet over Delta Flight 590, which was beginning its takeoff roll.
Delta Flight 590, carrying 144 passengers and six crew members, was departing for Atlanta when the pilots noticed the incoming AeroMéxico jet landing directly in front of them. The Delta crew quickly aborted the takeoff, returning to the terminal. The flight eventually departed three hours late. Delta has reported the incident to both Mexican and U.S. aviation authorities, including the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
AeroMéxico confirmed the incident and stated they are working with authorities to investigate. The airline emphasized that customer and employee safety remains their top priority. The Federal Aviation Administration referred inquiries to Mexican authorities and Delta, while the National Transportation Safety Board acknowledged awareness of the event but withheld further comment.