Runway Incursion at Mexico City Airport Involves Delta and Aeroméxico Jets

A serious safety incident unfolded at Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport 🇲🇽 on Monday, July 21, 2025, when an AeroMéxico Connect jet nearly landed on top of a Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-800 that was taking off. Both planes, carrying hundreds of people, found themselves on the same runway at the same time—a situation that could have ended in disaster. Quick action by the Delta pilots prevented a tragedy, but the event has sparked urgent investigations and renewed concerns about air traffic control at one of the world’s busiest airports.

What Happened on the Runway?

At about 7:28 a.m. local time, AeroMéxico Connect Flight 5D1631, an Embraer E190, was finishing its approach to land on Runway 05R. At the same moment, Delta Flight DL590, a Boeing 737-800, was cleared by air traffic control to start its takeoff roll on the very same runway. The Delta jet, bound for Atlanta, had already reached 62 knots (about 71 mph) when the pilots saw the AeroMéxico plane ahead of them, coming in to land. Realizing the danger, the Delta crew aborted their takeoff, slowed the plane, and exited the runway safely.

There were 144 passengers and six crew members on the Delta flight. After returning to the gate for more fuel, the plane eventually departed at 9:42 a.m. and landed safely in Atlanta at 3:20 p.m. Eastern Time. No injuries or damage were reported on either aircraft, but the close call is considered one of the most serious aviation safety events of 2025.

Immediate Response and Investigation

Delta Air Lines praised its crew for their quick thinking and calm response, stating, “Safety is always our top priority.” The airline filed reports with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC). AeroMéxico also confirmed that its pilots followed all instructions from air traffic control and said it is fully cooperating with the investigation.

As of July 22, 2025, Mexican aviation authorities have not made a public statement. The airport authority is reportedly handling the matter with strict confidentiality, which has led to calls for more transparency from both the public and aviation experts.

How Did This Happen?

Preliminary reports from Mexican media and aviation experts point to a mistake by air traffic control (ATC). The tower apparently cleared both the AeroMéxico Connect and Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-800 flights for the same runway in close succession, creating a dangerous overlap. This kind of error is known as a “runway incursion,” where two planes are on the same runway at the same time, increasing the risk of a collision.

This is not the first time such an incident has happened at Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport. In 2022, a similar near-miss involving a Volaris flight led to the resignation of the director of Mexico’s Air Navigation Services (SENEAM) and sparked calls for better training and stricter protocols for air traffic controllers.

Why Is Mexico City’s Airport So Challenging?

Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport 🇲🇽 is one of the busiest in Latin America. It faces several unique challenges:

• High Traffic Density: The airport handles hundreds of flights every day, making it difficult for controllers to keep up during peak hours.
• Closely Spaced Runways: The runways are close together, which increases the risk of confusion and mistakes.
• Geographic Constraints: The airport is surrounded by urban development, leaving little room for expansion or changes to runway layout.

These factors make the airport especially prone to runway incursions and operational stress, according to aviation safety experts.

What Are the Authorities Doing Now?

The incident is under active investigation by both U.S. and Mexican authorities. The NTSB, FAA, and AFAC are all involved, and both airlines have pledged full cooperation. Investigators are collecting air traffic control recordings, flight data, and statements from the crews of both planes.

A preliminary report is expected within a few weeks. This report will outline the initial findings and may include recommendations for immediate changes. A final report, which will take longer to complete, will detail the causes, contributing factors, and any required corrective actions.

Statements from Key Stakeholders

• Delta Air Lines: “We are grateful for the professionalism and situational awareness of our crew. Safety is our top priority, and we are working closely with authorities to support the investigation.”
• Aeroméxico: “Our pilots followed all instructions from air traffic control. We are cooperating fully with the investigation and remain committed to the highest safety standards.”
• Aviation Experts: Many experts warn that ongoing weaknesses in air traffic control, especially at busy airports like Mexico City, continue to put passengers at risk. They call for better training, clearer procedures, and more transparency in reporting incidents.

What Does This Mean for Passengers?

For travelers, the most important thing to know is that no one was hurt in this incident. However, the close call may lead to more scrutiny of flight operations at Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport 🇲🇽. Passengers could see future delays or changes in procedures as authorities work to prevent similar incidents.

If you are flying through this airport, it’s a good idea to check for updates from your airline and allow extra time for possible delays. Both Delta Air Lines and AeroMéxico Connect have resumed normal operations, and no further disruptions have been reported.

What Are the Broader Implications for Airlines and Regulators?

This incident puts a spotlight on the need for:

• Better Crew Training: Airlines may increase training for pilots on how to handle runway incursion scenarios and improve communication with air traffic control.
• Stronger ATC Protocols: Regulators could introduce new or revised procedures for clearing planes to land and take off, especially at high-traffic airports.
• Increased Oversight: Authorities may step up monitoring of air traffic control operations and require more frequent safety audits.
• Possible Infrastructure Changes: There could be calls for upgrades to airport infrastructure, such as improved runway markings, better lighting, or even changes to runway layout if possible.

A Look Back: The 2022 Volaris Incident

The current event is not isolated. In 2022, a Volaris flight at the same airport narrowly avoided a collision due to a similar ATC error. That incident led to the resignation of the director of SENEAM and sparked a national conversation about air traffic safety in Mexico 🇲🇽. Despite promises of reform, experts say that many of the same problems remain.

Expert Opinions and Calls for Reform

Aviation safety experts stress that persistent vulnerabilities in air traffic control, especially in crowded airspace, continue to pose risks. They recommend:

• Robust Procedural Reforms: Clearer rules for when and how planes are cleared to use runways.
• Enhanced Training: More frequent and realistic training for air traffic controllers and pilots.
• Greater Transparency: Public reporting of incidents to build trust and encourage accountability.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these kinds of incidents highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and improvement in aviation safety, not just in Mexico 🇲🇽 but around the world.

What Happens Next? Step-by-Step

1. Ongoing Investigation: Authorities are reviewing all available data, including ATC recordings and flight data, and interviewing the crews involved.
2. Preliminary Report: This will be released in the coming weeks and will include initial findings and recommendations.
3. Final Report: The full investigation will take longer and will provide a detailed analysis of what went wrong and what needs to change.
4. Implementation of Changes: Any recommended changes to procedures, training, or infrastructure will be rolled out, with timelines depending on the findings.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Future Incidents?

While no system is perfect, there are several steps that can help reduce the risk of runway incursions:

• Improved Communication: Clearer and more consistent communication between pilots and air traffic controllers.
• Use of Technology: Advanced warning systems that alert crews and controllers when two planes are on a collision course.
• Regular Safety Audits: Frequent reviews of ATC procedures and airport operations to catch problems before they lead to incidents.
• International Cooperation: Sharing best practices and lessons learned between countries and airlines.

Official Resources for More Information

For those seeking more details or updates, the following official resources are available:

• Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC): https://www.gob.mx/afac
• U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): https://www.ntsb.gov
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): https://www.faa.gov
• Delta Air Lines Customer Service: 1-800-221-1212
• Aeroméxico Customer Service: 1-800-237-6639

These sites provide the latest official updates, safety recommendations, and contact information for travelers with questions or concerns.

Multiple Perspectives: How Different Groups Are Affected

• Airlines: Both Delta Air Lines and AeroMéxico Connect have emphasized their crews’ professionalism and their commitment to safety. They are working closely with investigators and reviewing their own procedures.
• Regulators: U.S. and Mexican authorities are focused on finding out exactly what happened and making sure it doesn’t happen again. They may introduce new rules or require more training for air traffic controllers.
• Aviation Experts: Many experts see this as a sign that deeper changes are needed in how busy airports are managed. They call for more transparency and better use of technology to prevent human error.
• Passengers and the Public: Many travelers are concerned about safety at busy airports and want to see clear action from airlines and regulators. They expect accountability and real improvements, not just promises.

Looking Ahead: What Might Change?

The aviation community is waiting for the results of the official investigation. Depending on what the investigators find, we may see:

• Revised ATC Procedures: New rules for how and when planes are cleared to use runways, especially at busy airports like Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport 🇲🇽.
• Enhanced Training: More frequent and realistic training for both pilots and air traffic controllers.
• Accountability Measures: Possible disciplinary actions for those found responsible, and changes in leadership if needed.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Improvements to airport layout, runway markings, and warning systems to make it easier for crews and controllers to avoid mistakes.

Practical Guidance for Travelers

If you are planning to fly through Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport 🇲🇽 or other busy airports, here are some practical tips:

• Stay Informed: Check for updates from your airline before your flight.
• Allow Extra Time: Be prepared for possible delays as authorities review and update procedures.
• Ask Questions: If you have concerns, contact your airline’s customer service for information about safety measures.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Aviation Safety

This near-miss at Mexico City’s Benito Juárez International Airport 🇲🇽 is a stark reminder of the risks that come with high-traffic airports and the importance of strong safety procedures. Thanks to the quick thinking of the Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-800 crew, a disaster was avoided. But the incident has exposed ongoing weaknesses in air traffic control that must be addressed.

As investigations continue, passengers, airlines, and regulators all have a role to play in making air travel safer. By learning from this event and taking real action, the aviation community can help ensure that everyone who boards a plane arrives safely at their destination.

For the latest updates and official information, travelers and industry professionals can visit the Mexico’s Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) website.

Learn Today

Runway Incursion → An event where two aircraft occupy the same runway simultaneously, risking collision during takeoff or landing.
Air Traffic Control (ATC) → A service providing instructions to pilots to ensure safe aircraft movement in controlled airspace and runways.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) → U.S. government agency responsible for regulating civil aviation safety and overseeing air traffic control.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) → Independent U.S. agency investigating transportation accidents and promoting safety improvements.
Embraer E190 → A regional jet aircraft used by AeroMéxico Connect for short to medium-haul flights.

This Article in a Nutshell

A near collision occurred July 21, 2025, at Mexico City airport when two planes shared a runway. Quick Delta pilot action averted catastrophe. Investigations focus on air traffic control mistakes. Authorities aim to improve safety at this busy airport amid calls for transparency and better procedures.
— By VisaVerge.com