Republic Airways Pilots Mistakenly Contact JFK Tower During LaGuardia Landing

On March 15, 2026, Republic Airways pilots operating Delta Connection Flight 5752 mistakenly contacted the John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) air traffic control tower while preparing to land at LaGuardia Airport (LGA). The flight, which was arriving from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), initiated a go-around after realizing the error, landing safely at LaGuardia without incident.

New York PostDelta Connection Pilots Contact Wrong New York ATC Tower During Landing

As the aircraft approached LaGuardia, the crew was instructed to switch to tower frequency. However, they mistakenly checked in with JFK Tower instead of LaGuardia Tower. The JFK controller initially responded with a wind check and a landing clearance, unaware that the aircraft was not inbound to JFK. Confusion arose when the JFK controller asked for clarification on the flight's position, leading to the realization of the error. The JFK controller then directed the crew to contact LaGuardia Tower, prompting the pilots to initiate a go-around.

Delta Connection Pilots Contact Wrong New York ATC Tower During LandingNew York Post

The incident highlights the complexities of New York City's airspace, which includes three major airports—LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)—all located within a 12-mile radius. This congested environment, which handles approximately 1.3 million flights annually, increases the likelihood of frequency errors during critical phases of flight. The similarity in runway designations, such as Runway 4R at both LaGuardia and JFK, can further complicate communications.

Delta Connection Pilots Contact Wrong New York ATC Tower During Landing

Following the incident, the crew executed a go-around, a standard safety procedure used when landing conditions are not assured. They climbed to 2,000 feet and later to 3,000 feet before being handed back to approach control for a new landing sequence. No injuries or damage were reported, and the swift actions of both the flight crew and the JFK controller averted potential safety risks.

Delta Connection Pilots Contact Wrong New York ATC Tower During Landing

Robert Sumwalt, a former chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, commented on the incident, stating, “If the airplane would have landed at LaGuardia without receiving landing clearance, it would have been a very bad mistake.” Republic Airways confirmed that the flight landed safely at LaGuardia after the go-around.

New York Post

While the incident was resolved without harm, it raises concerns about air traffic control procedures in busy airspaces. Critics argue that the high workload during critical phases of flight may lead to such errors, emphasizing the need for improved communication protocols among air traffic controllers and flight crews.

Delta Connection Pilots Contact Wrong New York ATC Tower During Landing

• “If the airplane would have landed at LaGuardia without receiving landing clearance, it would have been a very bad mistake,” — Robert Sumwalt, Former NTSB Chairman

New York Post

• “Oh my goodness, alright.” — Pilot of Flight RPA5752 upon realizing the error.

Delta Connection Pilots Contact Wrong New York ATC Tower During Landing

• “That’s crazy.” — Another pilot during the incident.

Delta Connection Pilots Contact Wrong New York ATC Tower During Landing

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in air traffic communications, particularly in high-density environments like New York City.

Delta Connection Pilots Contact Wrong New York ATC Tower During Landing