Delta and Aeromexico Planes Collide in Mexico City International Airport

  • Two planes belonging to Delta Airlines and Aeromexico respectively, collided at Mexico City International Airport on 17th April 2023 when the Delta Airlines plane was taxiing on Taxiway Bravo and the Aeromexico plane was departing from Runway 23L.
  • Substantial damage occurred to both airplanes as a result of the collision, with parts of the 737’s winglet embedded into the horizontal stabilizer of the 757.
  • An investigation has been launched by local authorities to determine what caused this collision, resulting in delayed flights for passengers.
  • This incident highlights the need for aviation authorities to thoroughly investigate such incidents and ensure safety regulations are observed, as well as for pilots to be extra cautious and maintain situational awareness when operating at busy airports.

17th April 2023, Mexico City International Airport (MEX) – Another aviation collission took place between two planes at Mexico City International Airport. Tragedy was narrowly avoided when an Aeromexico Boeing 737-800 collided with a Delta Airlines Boeing 757-200.

The incident occurred when the Delta Airlines plane, registration N649DL, was taxiing on Taxiway Bravo (B) and was about to cross Runway 23L. At the same time, the Aeromexico aircraft, registration XA-AMO, was proceeding via Taxiway Delta (D) for a departure on Runway 23L.

aeromexico and delta collission at mexico international airport mex
Images: Twitter @AviationBRK

The left upper winglet of the Aeromexico jet impacted the horizontal stabilizer of the Delta plane, causing substantial damage to both airplanes. Thankfully no one was injured in the incident and both aircraft were able to safely return to their Terminal.

Videos and pictures surfaced online showing that parts of the 737’s winglet were embedded in the horizontal stabilizer of the 757. An investigation has since been launched by local authorities to determine what caused this collision.

Also Read: IMSAFE Checklist Acronym: Pilot Fit to Fly Status Pre-Flight

Delta’s 757 had been set to depart as flight DL624 towards New York-JFK and Aeromexico’s 737 had been scheduled to fly AM117 towards Ciudad Juarez. Fue to this unfortunate incident these flights have been delayed until further notice while repairs are carried out on both planes. Furtinately, no injuries were reported.

Here are images as shared by @AviationBRK on Twitter:

It’s alarming that a number of collissions have been occuring in the past month. Recently, Air Transat and Emirates had each plane wing collide at the Miami International Airport. This is a reminder for the aviation industry to be careful and diligent in ensuring safety regulations are observed.

Aviation authorities should investigate these incidents thoroughly and make sure that similar incidents do not occur again in the future. All parties involved – airlines, airport authorities, aircraft manufacturers – must take responsibility to ensure that passengers and crew remain safe in all aspects of air travel.

Here’s a video posted on Twitter showcasing the incident on how the accident occured:

On another note, pilots should be extra cautious and maintain situational awareness when operating at busy airports. Pilots are ultimately responsible for the safe conduct of the aircraft and should take the necessary steps to avoid any disastrous outcome due to human error.

Also Read: What is Pilot Deviation and How to Avoid it?

The incident involving Aeromexico and Delta Air Lines raises safety concerns once again, as both planes sustained damage and have been grounded since the incident. We hope that all involved parties resolve this matter soon so passengers can rest assured they will be in safe hands while traveling through Mexico City International Airport.