September 11, 2024 – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

In a rare incident at one of the world’s busiest airports, two Delta Air Lines planes collided while taxiing for departure at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on the morning of September 10, 2024. The collision involved Delta Flight 295, an Airbus A350 bound for Tokyo, Japan, and Endeavor Air Flight 5526, a Bombardier CRJ900 regional jet heading to Lafayette, Louisiana. Endeavor Air is a subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, and both flights were operating from adjacent taxiways when the incident occurred .

According to officials, the wingtip of the larger Airbus A350 clipped the vertical tail of the smaller Bombardier CRJ900. Although both aircraft sustained significant damage, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew on board. There were 221 passengers aboard the Tokyo-bound flight and 56 passengers aboard the Lafayette-bound regional jet. All passengers were safely transported back to the terminal, and Delta ensured that new flights were arranged for affected travelers .

Photos and videos posted on social media by witnesses and passengers show the separated tail of the CRJ900 surrounded by airport rescue vehicles. Airport officials and Delta Air Lines worked swiftly to manage the situation, and there was minimal impact on overall airport operations, despite the closure of the impacted taxiways and runway .

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is leading an investigation into the collision, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be conducting a parallel inquiry. Delta Air Lines has pledged full cooperation with the authorities to determine the cause of the incident .

As Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport remains a key hub for both domestic and international travel, safety remains the highest priority. The airport, which serves over 100 million passengers annually, has resumed regular operations with no further disruptions reported .

About Delta Air Lines and Endeavor Air

Delta Air Lines operates a fleet of aircraft that connects travelers worldwide, while its regional subsidiary, Endeavor Air, focuses on domestic routes with smaller jets such as the Bombardier CRJ900. Both airlines prioritize passenger safety and efficient operations, working closely with airport authorities to uphold these standards.

Sources:

Muntean, P. (2024, September 11). Atlanta airport incident: Delta plane knocks tail off another in taxiway collision, airline, FAA say. CNN. Retrieved from CNN

Van Cleave, K., & Krupnik, K. (2024, September 10). Officials investigating Delta and Endeavor Air plane collision at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. WANF-TV. Retrieved from WANF-TV