Story perspectives

Near-Miss at Newark Airport Raises Safety Concerns

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is probing a near-miss at Newark Liberty International Airport involving an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 and a FedEx Boeing 777 on March 17.
Preliminary data indicate the two aircraft passed within 300 to 325 feet vertically.
Both flights landed safely.
This incident follows a recent Singapore Airlines clipping of a Spirit Airlines aircraft at Newark, highlighting ongoing air traffic control challenges.

History

Historical Context

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) introduced the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) in 2001 to improve air safety, contributing to a 50% reduction in mid-air collisions. The recent near-miss at Newark Liberty International Airport involving Alaska Airlines and FedEx highlights ongoing air traffic control challenges, reminiscent of incidents that led to TCAS's implementation, underscoring the need for continued scrutiny of air traffic protocols.

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Story summary

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is probing a near-miss at Newark Liberty International Airport involving an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 and a FedEx Boeing 777 on March 17.
Preliminary data indicate the two aircraft passed within 300 to 325 feet vertically.
Both flights landed safely.
This incident follows a recent Singapore Airlines clipping of a Spirit Airlines aircraft at Newark, highlighting ongoing air traffic control challenges.

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