Delta Jet Aborts Takeoff in Mexico City After Near-Collision with Aeromexico Plane

In a heart-stopping moment at Mexico City International Airport, a Delta Air Lines jet, Flight 590, was forced to abort its takeoff on Monday morning when the crew spotted another aircraft landing directly in front of them on the same runway. The Boeing 737-800, carrying 144 passengers bound for Atlanta, had just begun its ascent when the pilots noticed an Aeromexico Embraer E190 descending perilously close—reports suggest a mere 200 feet separated the two planes. Acting swiftly, the Delta crew slammed on the brakes, safely halting the aircraft at a speed of around 60 mph before returning to the gate.

This incident is the latest in a string of close calls for Delta. Just days earlier, a SkyWest Airlines flight operated by Delta had to execute an aggressive maneuver to avoid a midair collision with a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber. And last week, another Delta flight out of Los Angeles turned back after an apparent engine fire. It’s been a rough patch for the airline, to say the least, but their commitment to safety remains front and center. A Delta spokesperson emphasized, 'Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people,' noting the crew’s quick thinking and rigorous training as key to averting disaster.

After refueling and consultations with safety and operations teams, Flight 590 eventually departed for Georgia, delayed by about three hours. Both Delta and Aeromexico have pledged full cooperation with authorities, including Mexico’s aviation bodies, the FAA, and the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, as investigations into this near-miss unfold. Aeromexico reiterated that safety is their top priority, though details from their side remain sparse at this time.

Close calls like this remind us how razor-thin the margins can be in aviation. As investigations continue, passengers and crews alike can only hope that lessons learned will keep the skies a little safer tomorrow.