Delta Flight Abruptly Halts Before Takeoff in Mexico City After Near-Miss with Landing Jet

A Delta flight was about to take off from Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport when another jet landed in front of it, forcing the pilots to jam on the brakes. Aeromexico Flight 1691 was arriving from Aguascalientes, while Delta flight 590 was accelerating for takeoff at 7:28 a.m. local time. The Delta Boeing 737-800 reached about 71 miles per hour before stopping.

After the scare, the Delta jet returned to the gate for more fuel and eventually took off for Atlanta at 9:42 a.m. It safely landed there at 3:20 p.m. ET with 144 passengers and six crew members on board. A Delta spokesperson highlighted the crew’s quick reaction and situational awareness, stressing that safety is their top priority.

Delta has reported the incident to the National Transportation Safety Board, the Federal Aviation Administration, and Mexico’s aviation authority. Aeromexico is also cooperating with investigations, emphasizing the safety of their passengers and employees.

This incident follows a similar one days earlier when a SkyWest pilot, flying as Delta Connection, had to make an “aggressive maneuver” to avoid a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber near Minot, North Dakota. The pilot apologized to passengers, explaining the need for the drastic action, although the Air Force claimed they were in contact with air traffic control and weren’t aware of the commercial flight’s approach.

Air travel remains complex and sometimes dangerous, but incidents like these highlight the importance of pilot training and quick thinking. Recent data indicates that pilot training has improved over the years, with emphasis on managing unexpected situations. According to a survey by the National Transportation Safety Board, incidents like runway incursions are becoming less frequent due to better communication and technology in aviation.

Travelers are encouraged to be aware of these situations, as pilot decision-making plays a crucial role in maintaining safety in our skies.



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Federal Aviation Administration, Mexico, National Transportation Safety Board, Delta Air Lines