On Wednesday evening, a rare but unsettling incident occurred on the ground at New York’s LaGuardia Airport when two regional aircraft belonging to Delta Air Lines came into contact while taxiing on the runway system. According to an official statement released by the airline, the encounter took place at a relatively low speed. Despite the absence of high-impact force, the wing of one aircraft — which had been preparing for departure to Virginia — made physical contact with the fuselage of an arriving plane that had just completed a flight from North Carolina. Although such collisions are uncommon and often occur under circumstances of limited maneuvering space, the seriousness of the situation prompted immediate attention from both the airline and airport authorities.
The collision, which happened at approximately 9 p.m. Eastern Time, involved two separate Embraer regional jets operated by Endeavor Air, a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta that frequently manages the carrier’s smaller and short-haul routes. Onboard the outbound aircraft bound for Virginia were 28 ticketed passengers, while the inbound service from North Carolina carried 57 individuals, bringing the combined number of travelers affected to 85. Delta emphasized in its communication that no passenger or crew injuries resulted from the event, underscoring that safety protocols and quick responsiveness helped ensure that the incident remained limited to minor aircraft damage rather than escalating into a more serious emergency.
The airline further conveyed its commitment to working in full cooperation with relevant investigative authorities, including aviation safety regulators and airport officials, to establish a clear understanding of how the mishap occurred and what preventative measures should be considered. Early findings presented by Delta suggest that the departing plane’s wingtip brushed the body of the arriving jet while navigating the constrained taxi route, creating the conditions for the collision. Although this type of “ground strike” incident is considered less critical than mid-air conflicts, it nevertheless requires comprehensive examination due to the operational complexities it introduces and the delays it inevitably causes for passengers.
For the travelers onboard both flights, the encounter resulted in unexpected disruption, including schedule changes, extended wait times, and the inconvenience of being held at the airport while substitute arrangements were coordinated. However, the absence of injury provided significant reassurance both to passengers in the moment and to the broader public monitoring the situation. Events of this nature highlight the intricate choreography required in daily ground operations at busy hubs like LaGuardia, where high traffic density and limited maneuvering space demand continuous vigilance, careful coordination, and robust safeguards from airline crews and ground personnel alike.
At present, this story remains in development, and further updates are expected as investigators piece together additional details. For now, Delta has reiterated its focus on passenger well-being and operational safety, pledging transparency and accountability throughout the review process.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/delta-planes-collide-runway-laguardia-new-york-2025-10
