Two planes nearly collide at LAX after Air France flight veers into another aircraft's path, FAA says
An Air France flight turned into the path of an American Airlines jet during departure from Los Angeles International Airport, prompting a federal investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the close call occurred midair over the airport. Both aircraft were passenger jets. Controllers intervened to prevent a collision. The incident adds to a recent string of runway and near-midair events drawing scrutiny of U.S. air traffic safety.
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- ✓ An Air France flight turned into the path of an American Airlines jet during departure from LAX.
- ✓ The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the close call and opened an investigation.
- ✓ Both aircraft were passenger jets.
- ✓ Air traffic controllers intervened to prevent a collision.
What changed
First multi-source confirmation that the FAA is formally investigating a near-collision between an Air France and American Airlines jet at LAX after the Air France flight made an unauthorized turn.
Live updates
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Air France and American Airlines jets nearly collide at LAX after wrong turn
An Air France flight turned into the path of an American Airlines jet during departure from Los Angeles International Airport, prompting a federal investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the close call occurred midair over the airport. Both aircraft were passenger jets. Controllers intervened to prevent a collision. The incident adds to a recent string of runway and near-midair events drawing scrutiny of U.S. air traffic safety.
Why it matters
The FAA is investigating after an Air France aircraft veered off its assigned route and crossed into the trajectory of an American Airlines plane taking off from LAX. Such incursions are rare but have increased in frequency nationwide since 2023, prompting a safety summit and new technology mandates. The event underscores ongoing concerns about controller workload and procedural compliance at high-volume airports.
What is confirmed
- An Air France flight turned into the path of an American Airlines jet during departure from LAX.
- The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the close call and opened an investigation.
- Both aircraft were passenger jets.
- Air traffic controllers intervened to prevent a collision.
What to watch next
- FAA preliminary report release timeline
- NTSB decision on whether to open a full safety investigation
- Air France and American Airlines internal review findings
confidence 92%Sources used for this update (10)
- www.dailymail.com — UK Home | Daily Mail Online
- nypost.com — New York Post – Breaking News, Top Headlines, Photos & Videos
- www.yahoo.com — Yahoo
- KTLA — Air France, American Airlines jets nearly collide after wrong turn in midair over LAX
- ABC7 Los Angeles — Air France flight nearly hits American Airlines plane in LAX close call
- CNN — Close call at LAX airport as plane turns in front of another aircraft taking off
- Los Angeles Times — Two planes nearly collide at LAX after Air France flight veers into another aircraft's path, FAA says
- The Seattle Times — Two planes nearly collide at LAX, FAA says
- Los Angeles Daily News — Jetliners get too close midair at LAX — investigation underway
- www.aol.com — Pilot Says ‘Give Me a Minute’ After Air France and American Airlines Passenger Planes Nearly Collide After Takeoff from LAX - ....
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