Two Delta regional jets managed to collide on the ground at one of America’s busiest airports, raising serious questions about ground safety protocols at LaGuardia.
Story Snapshot
- Two Delta regional jets collided while taxiing at LaGuardia Airport
- One aircraft’s right wing struck the nose of another plane, causing windshield damage and at least one injury
- The incident highlights ongoing safety challenges at LaGuardia’s congested airfield during peak operations
- FAA investigation pending as aviation experts question how ground collision prevention systems failed
When Routine Taxiing Goes Wrong
LaGuardia Airport processes over 30 million passengers annually through one of the most congested airfields in America. The collision between two Delta regional jets demonstrates how quickly routine ground operations can turn dangerous. The right wing of one aircraft struck the nose of another during what should have been standard taxiway movement, proving that even low-speed incidents can cause significant damage and injuries.
Air Traffic Control audio captured the immediate aftermath, with pilots reporting windshield damage and confirming at least one person was injured. The incident occurred during evening operations when LaGuardia typically experiences heavy traffic volumes, adding complexity to an already challenging operational environment.
LaGuardia’s Congested Airfield Creates Risk
The airport’s compact layout has long posed operational challenges, even as a multi-billion-dollar redevelopment project aims to modernize infrastructure. Regional jets operating on tight schedules face additional pressure during ground movements at LaGuardia’s notoriously busy taxiways. Previous incidents at major U.S. airports, including a 2017 collision between a Delta Boeing 737 and regional jet at JFK, demonstrate this isn’t an isolated problem.
A collision occurred Wednesday night between two Delta Air Lines planes on a taxiway at LaGuardia Airport in New York. https://t.co/TMJgAvoF5T
— CBS News (@CBSNews) October 2, 2025
Ground collisions remain rare but preventable events that typically result from miscommunication, procedural lapses, or human error. Aviation safety experts consistently emphasize that robust procedures, effective communication, and advanced technology are essential for preventing such incidents at congested airports.
Investigation and Industry Impact
The Federal Aviation Administration will likely launch a comprehensive investigation to determine the root cause and recommend corrective actions. Delta Air Lines faces immediate operational disruption and potential reputational damage as the story develops. Both aircraft involved were Delta regional jets, suggesting possible issues with the airline’s ground operations procedures or crew coordination.
This incident arrives during a period of increased scrutiny on airport ground safety, with the FAA emphasizing runway and taxiway safety programs nationwide. The collision may accelerate adoption of advanced ground surveillance systems and reinforce the importance of crew resource management training throughout the aviation industry.
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Two Delta regional jets collide while taxiing at LaGuardia Airport
