FAA Investigates Near-Collision at Phoenix Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation following a near-collision between two commercial flights at Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport on January 27, 2025. The incident, which involved a United Airlines flight and a Delta Airlines flight, saw the two aircraft coming alarmingly close to each other, less than a quarter of a mile apart horizontally, before the aircraft’s onboard warning systems alerted the flight crews.

According to initial reports, both flights were in their final approach phases, operating on intersecting flight paths, when the proximity between the two planes triggered a series of automated warnings. These systems, designed to prevent mid-air collisions, activated promptly, prompting the pilots to take evasive action to avoid a potential disaster.

While the FAA has not yet provided full details, including the specific aircraft types and flight numbers involved, the agency is closely examining the circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation will aim to determine whether procedural errors, miscommunications, or other factors contributed to the close call.

This near-miss highlights the critical role of modern aviation technology in ensuring safety. The aircraft’s Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) has been credited with preventing the collision by providing real-time alerts to pilots, enabling them to act swiftly in potentially life-threatening situations.

This investigation also raises questions about air traffic control procedures at busy airports like Phoenix, where multiple aircraft are frequently in close proximity during arrival and departure sequences. The FAA’s findings will likely include recommendations for improvements to air traffic management and pilot training to further mitigate the risks of such close calls.

As of now, both airlines have fully cooperated with the FAA’s investigation. The FAA has emphasised the importance of ongoing safety measures and is expected to issue a detailed report once its inquiries are complete. In the meantime, the aviation community continues to emphasise the importance of safety protocols, technology, and situational awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future.