Passengers and crew on a SkyWest flight faced a tense moment on July 18, 2025, when their plane suddenly pulled up and turned away from Minot Airport to avoid a midair collision with a military bomber. The incident, which happened near Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, has raised urgent questions about air safety, communication, and the challenges of sharing airspace between commercial and military aircraft.
What Happened on the SkyWest Flight?
SkyWest flight 3788, operating as a Delta Connection, was flying from Minneapolis to Minot, North Dakota. On board were 76 passengers and four crew members. As the Embraer E175 jet approached Minot Airport for landing, the pilot spotted a B-52 bomber in the flight path. The B-52, assigned to Minot Air Force Base, had just finished a flyover at the North Dakota State Fair.
To avoid a possible midair collision, the pilot quickly climbed from about 2,200 feet to 4,150 feet and made a sharp U-turn. This move, known as a “go-around,” is a standard safety procedure but is rarely performed so aggressively. After circling back, the pilot landed the plane safely on the second attempt.
Why Did This Happen?
The incident took place just 18 kilometers south of Minot Air Force Base, which is home to 26 B-52 bombers and nearly 13,000 personnel. The close proximity of the airport to the military base means that commercial and military planes often share the same airspace.
According to the pilot, the crew had no warning about the B-52’s presence. He told passengers, “nobody told us about it,” and explained that Minot Airport’s control tower does not have radar. Instead, controllers rely on visual procedures to keep planes apart. Meanwhile, the Air Force base does have radar, but did not share the B-52’s position with the civilian controllers.
Passengers described feeling a sudden jolt as the plane veered right. The pilot apologized for the abrupt move and explained that it was necessary to keep everyone safe.
Who Is Investigating the Incident?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively investigating what happened. The Air Force has also confirmed the B-52’s involvement and is reviewing its own procedures. SkyWest Airlines has stated that it is conducting an internal investigation and confirmed that all passengers and crew landed safely.
Key Issues Raised by the Incident
This near-miss has brought several important issues to the forefront:
- Air Traffic Control Limitations: Minot Airport’s control tower does not have radar, which means controllers must rely on what they can see. This increases the risk of mistakes, especially when military and civilian planes are using the same airspace.
- Communication Gaps: The main concern is the lack of communication from the Air Force base about the B-52’s flight path. Both the pilot and SkyWest have called for better coordination between military and civilian controllers.
- National Safety Concerns: This event comes at a time when air safety in the United States 🇺🇸 is under close review. Recent shortages of air traffic controllers, system breakdowns, and other near-collisions have led to federal action and calls for major upgrades.
What Are the Immediate Effects?
For those on board the SkyWest flight, the incident was frightening but ended safely. However, it has highlighted the need for:
- Pilots: To stay alert and be ready for sudden changes, especially when flying near military bases.
- Passengers: To understand that while such events are rare, quick maneuvers may happen to keep everyone safe.
- Controllers: To push for better tools and clearer communication, especially at airports without radar.
Expert Opinions and Stakeholder Responses
Aviation safety experts say the incident shows why it’s so important to have radar coverage and real-time information sharing between military and civilian air traffic controllers. They warn that without these tools, the risk of accidents increases, especially near busy military bases.
The airline industry is urging the FAA to speed up its modernization plans and make sure everyone knows their responsibilities in shared airspace. Military officials are also reviewing their own procedures to make sure civilian authorities are always informed about military flights that could affect commercial traffic.
Background: Why Is Minot Airspace So Complicated?
Minot International Airport’s location near a major Air Force base has always made airspace management tricky. The base is a key part of the United States 🇺🇸 military, with dozens of B-52 bombers and thousands of personnel. In the past, there have been other close calls, but this latest event has renewed calls for better technology and communication.
Across the country, several other near-misses in the past two years have put pressure on regulators and airlines to improve safety systems and hire more staff. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these incidents have led to a national conversation about how to keep the skies safe for everyone.
What Is Being Done to Fix the Problem?
In response to ongoing safety concerns, Congress has set aside $12.5 billion, with a total of $31.5 billion planned, to upgrade the FAA’s air traffic systems. This money will help:
- Update telecommunications and safety systems
- Address shortages of air traffic controllers
- Improve coordination between civilian and military operations
Both the FAA and the Air Force are reviewing their procedures for sharing information and working together in shared airspace, especially at airports near military bases.
Possible Solutions and Future Changes
Experts and officials are considering several steps to prevent similar incidents:
- Install Radar at Non-Radar Towers: Adding radar or advanced surveillance systems at airports like Minot would give controllers a better view of all planes in the area.
- Improve Communication Protocols: Setting up direct lines of communication between military and civilian controllers could help prevent misunderstandings.
- Update Procedures: New rules may require real-time sharing of flight paths and positions for all planes, especially when military flights are planned near civilian airports.
- Increase Training: More training for controllers and pilots on how to handle mixed-use airspace could reduce the risk of mistakes.
How Does This Affect Immigrants and International Travelers?
While the incident did not directly involve immigration, it has important implications for anyone traveling to or within the United States 🇺🇸, including immigrants, students, and business travelers. Safe and reliable air travel is essential for people moving to new countries, visiting family, or attending school or work.
Events like the SkyWest flight’s aborted landing can cause anxiety for travelers, especially those who may not be familiar with U.S. airspace or procedures. It’s important for airlines and airports to communicate clearly with all passengers, including those who speak limited English, about what to expect in the rare event of a sudden maneuver or delay.
What Should Travelers Know and Do?
If you are flying into or out of airports near military bases, keep these tips in mind:
- Listen to Crew Instructions: Pilots and flight attendants are trained to handle emergencies and will always put safety first.
- Stay Calm During Unexpected Events: Abrupt maneuvers are rare but are done to keep everyone safe.
- Ask Questions: If you are concerned or confused, don’t hesitate to ask airline staff for information or help.
- Monitor Official Updates: For the latest information on air safety and travel advisories, check the FAA’s official website.
What Are the Broader Implications for Air Safety?
This incident is part of a larger pattern of near-misses and safety concerns in U.S. airspace. As air traffic increases and military operations continue, the need for better technology and communication becomes even more urgent.
The FAA’s modernization plan aims to address these issues by:
- Upgrading outdated systems
- Hiring and training more controllers
- Improving coordination between all parties in the airspace
These changes will take time, but they are essential for keeping passengers, crew, and communities safe.
What Happens Next?
The FAA and the Air Force are still investigating the SkyWest flight incident. Their findings are expected to lead to new rules and procedures for managing shared airspace. Possible changes include:
- Installing radar at more airports
- Requiring real-time sharing of flight information
- Updating training for controllers and pilots
Travelers can expect to see ongoing improvements in air safety as these changes are put in place.
Contact Information for Further Questions
If you have questions or concerns about air travel safety, you can contact:
- FAA Public Inquiries: 1-866-TELL-FAA (1-866-835-5322)
- SkyWest Airlines Customer Service: 1-800-335-2247
- Minot International Airport Administration: (701) 857-4724
- Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs: (701) 723-6212
Conclusion: Moving Toward Safer Skies
The SkyWest flight’s aborted landing near Minot Air Force Base was a close call that ended safely thanks to the quick actions of the pilot and crew. However, it has exposed serious gaps in communication and technology that must be addressed to prevent future incidents.
For immigrants, international students, and all travelers, safe air travel is a basic need. The steps now being taken by the FAA, Congress, and the military show a commitment to making the skies safer for everyone. As new systems and procedures are put in place, passengers can expect even greater safety and peace of mind when flying in the United States 🇺🇸.
For the latest updates on air travel safety, keep an eye on official FAA announcements and SkyWest’s press releases. If you are planning to travel, especially near military bases, stay informed and don’t hesitate to reach out to airline or airport staff with any questions.
By working together—airlines, the military, regulators, and travelers—the goal of safer skies is within reach. The lessons learned from the SkyWest flight and other recent incidents will help shape a safer future for everyone who depends on air travel in the United States 🇺🇸 and beyond.
Learn Today
Go-around → A safety maneuver where a pilot aborts landing and climbs to avoid obstacles or collisions.
B-52 Bomber → A long-range, heavy military aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force for strategic missions.
Radar → A system using radio waves to detect and track aircraft position in real time.
FAA → Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. agency regulating civil aviation and air traffic control.
Airspace Coordination → The management and communication required for shared use of airspace by military and civilian aircraft.
This Article in a Nutshell
On July 18, 2025, SkyWest flight 3788 safely avoided a midair collision near Minot Air Force Base with a B-52 bomber. The incident exposed critical communication failures and radar absence at Minot Airport, sparking FAA investigations and calls for urgent safety upgrades to secure shared military-civilian airspace.
— By VisaVerge.com
