Close Call at Boston Logan Airport: Delta and Cape Air Incident

On October 30, 2025, a significant near-miss occurred at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) involving Delta Air Lines Flight 263 and Cape Air Flight 548. Delta's Airbus A330-900neo, arriving from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and diverted to Boston due to weather conditions at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK), was cleared to land on runway 4R. Simultaneously, Cape Air's Cessna 402C was cleared for takeoff from the intersecting runway 15R. The incident unfolded around 4:15 PM when the air traffic controller instructed Delta to go around just moments before touchdown, as the two aircraft were on a collision course.

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The air traffic controller's decision to clear both aircraft for their respective operations on intersecting runways raised safety concerns. The Cape Air pilots delayed their takeoff roll by approximately 20 to 30 seconds after receiving clearance, which reduced the margin of safety. The controller had not mandated an immediate takeoff nor warned the Cape Air crew about the Delta flight's imminent landing. This lapse in communication and timing contributed to the critical situation.

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation into the incident. The FAA's rules stipulate that when managing intersecting runways, the landing aircraft must not cross the threshold until the departing aircraft has passed the intersection or turned to avoid conflict. The FAA is examining whether the controller's actions adhered to these safety protocols, especially given the increased workload due to staffing shortages exacerbated by the ongoing government shutdown.

FAA Investigates Near-Miss as Delta Pilot Executes Logan Airport Go-Around

Delta Air Lines confirmed that its crew followed proper procedures and successfully executed a go-around, landing safely on the subsequent approach. The FAA stated, "Air Traffic control instructed Delta Air Lines flight 263 to perform a go-around at Boston Logan International Airport because Cape Air Flight 548 was cleared to takeoff from an intersecting runway." Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the strain on air traffic control staffing during the government shutdown, which has resulted in increased absenteeism and operational challenges.

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Critics have pointed out that the incident underscores systemic issues within air traffic control operations, particularly the staffing shortages affecting safety. Reports indicate that as of 2023, 91% of control tower facilities were staffed below the FAA's recommended levels. This situation has prompted airlines to call for urgent resolutions to ensure safe operations and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Near-Miss In Boston As Delta A330 Goes Around To Avoid Cape Air Plane On Runway

• “What the heck?” — Cape Air Pilot

FAA investigates close call between Delta and Cape Air planes at Boston Logan

• “that was close.” — Delta Pilot

Ouch: Boston ATC Error Leads To Very Close Call With Landing Delta Jet

• “Yeah man, not cool,” — Cape Air Pilot

FAA investigates close call between Delta and Cape Air planes at Boston Logan

• “Air Traffic control instructed Delta Air Lines flight 263 to perform a go-around at Boston Logan International Airport because Cape Air Flight 548 was cleared to takeoff from an intersecting runway.” — FAA Statement

Near-Miss In Boston As Delta A330 Goes Around To Avoid Cape Air Plane On Runway

The FAA's investigation will seek to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and assess the effectiveness of current air traffic control protocols. Airlines and aviation stakeholders are advocating for improvements in staffing and communication practices to enhance safety in busy airspaces.

FAA Investigates Near-Miss as Delta Pilot Executes Logan Airport Go-Around