Mexico City Runway Chaos: Delta Flight Forced to Stop Before Takeoff After Near Miss

BREAKING: near Miss Between Delta and Aeromexico Jets Over Mexico Prompts investigations

Mexico City, Mexico – Aviation authorities are launching thorough investigations following a concerning near-miss incident involving a Delta Airlines flight and an Aeromexico jet over Mexican airspace. While details remain under review, the close encounter has sparked immediate probes by both national and international aviation bodies, underscoring the critical importance of robust air traffic control and interaction protocols.

Delta confirmed it has filed reports with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency. Similarly,Aeromexico stated it is indeed cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation,emphasizing that “the safety of our customers and employees is,and will always be,our highest priority.” Mexican aviation authorities have deferred public comment, directing inquiries to President Claudia sheinbaum’s recent remarks.President Sheinbaum acknowledged the incident, noting, “Fortunately, nothing major happened. All necessary alerts were issued, and all necessary measures are being taken.”

This event occurs in the wake of another aviation incident just days prior. The pilot of a SkyWest flight, operating as Delta Connection, reportedly executed an “aggressive maneuver” to avoid a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber during a landing approach in Minot, north Dakota. The SkyWest pilot cited the bomber as appearing to be on a “converging course.” The U.S.Air Force stated its crew was communicating with air traffic control and was not informed of the airliner’s presence. The SkyWest flight, carrying 76 passengers and four crew members, is also under investigation by the airline and the FAA.

Evergreen Insights:

These incidents serve as stark reminders of the inherent risks in aviation and the constant vigilance required to maintain safety. The basic principles of air traffic management, including clear communication, precise navigation, and adherence to flight paths, are the bedrock of preventing tragedies. as air travel continues to grow, the need for advanced air traffic control systems, real-time situational awareness, and rigorous pilot training becomes even more paramount. The collaborative efforts of international aviation agencies in investigating such events are crucial for sharing lessons learned and implementing preventative measures to safeguard the skies for all travelers. The proactive reporting by airlines and the commitment to openness are vital components in building and maintaining public trust in air travel safety.

What specific dialog protocols were in place between air traffic control and both Delta DL488 and the Aeromexico flight prior to the incident?

The Incident: A Close Call at Mexico City International airport (AICM)

On July 22nd, 2025, a Delta Air Lines flight was forced to abort its takeoff at Mexico City International Airport (AICM) after a near miss wiht an Aeromexico aircraft. The incident, occurring on runway 25R, prompted a temporary suspension of all flight operations at the busy airport, causing significant delays and disruptions for travelers. Initial reports indicate the Delta flight, DL488, was beginning its takeoff roll when air traffic control instructed the pilots to halt due to the presence of an Aeromexico plane on the same runway.

This event highlights the increasing concerns surrounding air traffic control and runway safety at AICM, one of the busiest airports in Latin America. The federal Civil Aviation Authority (AFAC) in Mexico has launched a full inquiry to determine the cause of the incident and prevent future occurrences.Passengers on both flights experienced considerable anxiety, though thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Details of the Near Miss & Flight Facts

Delta Flight: DL488, scheduled to fly from Mexico City (AICM) to Atlanta (ATL). Aircraft type: airbus A320.

Aeromexico Flight: Details are still emerging, but the aircraft was reportedly preparing to enter the runway for departure.

Runway Involved: 25R at Mexico City International Airport (AICM).

Time of Incident: Approximately 14:30 local time on July 22nd, 2025.

Immediate Aftermath: All departures from AICM were suspended for approximately one hour while authorities assessed the situation.

Contributing Factors & Potential Causes

Several factors could have contributed to this risky situation. The investigation will likely focus on:

Air Traffic Control Communication: Were instructions clear and unambiguous? Was there a breakdown in communication between controllers and pilots?

Runway Incursion Procedures: Were standard runway incursion prevention procedures followed correctly by both aircraft and air traffic control?

Airport Infrastructure: AICM is known for its complex layout and limited runway capacity. Could infrastructure limitations have played a role?

Weather Conditions: While weather wasn’t instantly cited as a factor, investigators will review meteorological data for any contributing influences.

Human Error: A thorough review of pilot and controller actions will be crucial to identify any potential human errors.

Impact on Travelers & Flight Schedules

The incident caused widespread disruption to air travel.

Flight Delays: Hundreds of flights were delayed, impacting thousands of passengers. Airlines including Delta, Aeromexico, United, and American Airlines experienced significant schedule disruptions.

Flight Cancellations: Some flights were outright cancelled, forcing passengers to rebook or find choice travel arrangements.

Passenger Anxiety: The near miss understandably caused significant stress and anxiety for passengers on both involved flights and those awaiting departure.

Ripple Effect: Delays at AICM had a ripple effect on connecting flights across North America and beyond. Passengers are advised to check their flight status directly with their airline.

mexico City Airport (AICM) – A History of Congestion & Safety Concerns

Mexico City International Airport (AICM) is consistently ranked among the world’s most congested airports. Its single-runway operation and limited airspace contribute to frequent delays and a heightened risk of incidents.

Capacity Issues: AICM operates at near-full capacity, handling over 50 million passengers annually.

New Airport Project: The controversial cancellation of the New Mexico City International Airport (NAIM) project has exacerbated the congestion problem. The future of airport expansion in the region remains uncertain.

Past Incidents: AICM has experienced several runway incursions and near misses in recent years, raising concerns about safety protocols. https://www.worldatlas.com/maps/mexico provides a geographical context for understanding the airport’s location and surrounding airspace.

What happens Next? The Investigation & Potential Outcomes

The AFAC investigation is expected to be complete and could take several weeks or months to complete.

Data Analysis: Investigators will analyze flight data recorders (black boxes), air traffic control recordings, and radar data.

Witness Interviews: Pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground personnel will be interviewed.

safety Recommendations: Based on the findings, the AFAC will issue safety recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.These could include changes to procedures, infrastructure improvements, or enhanced training for personnel.

Potential Penalties: Depending on the outcome of the investigation, individuals or organizations could face penalties for negligence or violations of safety regulations.

Resources for Affected Passengers

delta Air Lines: https://www.delta.com/

Aeromexico: https://www.aeromexico.com/

Mexico City International Airport (AICM): https://www.aicm.mx/en

* Federal Civil Aviation Authority (AFAC): (Official statements will be released through their channels)