Two planes almost collide at JFK, FAA launches investigation

Two planes almost collided with each other at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport on Friday after one crossed onto the runway as another was taking off. The incident is now being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration. 

At around 8:45 p.m. on Friday, an American Airlines Boeing 777 aircraft crossed onto the runway from a taxiway as a Delta Airlines Boeing 737 flight carrying about 150 people was about to take off. 

Air traffic controllers noticed the potential collision and alerted both flights. The Delta pilots reacted by slamming the brakes to avoid the tragedy, stopping only 1,000 feet away from the American Airlines flight. The American Airlines airplane was ordered to stay in place.

No one was hurt in the incident. However, the Delta flight, which was headed to the Dominican Republic, had to be rescheduled for the next day, according to a Delta spokesperson. 

After the incident, the Delta flight had to return to its gate and disembark those who were onboard. The customers were given hotel rooms for the night. 

“The safety of our customers and crew is always Delta’s number one priority. Delta will work with and assist aviation authorities on a full review of flight 1943 on Jan. 13 regarding a successful aborted takeoff procedure at New York-JFK. We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience and delay of their travels," Delta said in the statement. 

The American Airlines flight was bound for London Heathrow airport. It departed on time and arrived on time.