Full Breakdown
Near-Miss at Boston Logan International Airport Triggers FAA Investigation
6/22/2026, 12:54:13 AM
Core Event: Delta Flight 2351 Executes Go-Around to Avoid American Airlines Departure
At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Delta Air Lines Flight 2351, an Airbus A319 arriving from Dallas with 129 passengers and six crew members, aborted its landing at Boston Logan International Airport. The crew received an onboard advisory indicating potential traffic and coordinated with air-traffic control to perform a go-around. The maneuver was required to avoid an American Airlines aircraft (Flight 3161 bound for Charlotte) that was taking off from an intersecting runway. Tracking data from Flightradar24 show the two aircraft passed within a few hundred feet of each other. Delta landed safely about ten minutes later; all passengers deplaned normally.
Background & Context: Growing Frequency of Near-Collisions and ATC Staffing Shortages
The incident follows a series of recent close calls at U.S. airports, including an April near-miss at New York’s Kennedy Airport and another at Nashville International Airport involving two Southwest jets. A 2023 investigation by the New York Times reported that such events occur several times per week, a trend linked to a nationwide shortage of air-traffic control operators. The shortage is cited as a high-stakes problem that may increase the likelihood of aircraft operating on intersecting runways without sufficient separation.
Data & Statistics: Flight Details and Proximity Metrics
- Delta Flight 2351: Airbus A319, 129 passengers, six crew, origin Dallas (DAL).
- American Airlines Flight 3161: Destination Charlotte (CLT), departing from an intersecting runway; aircraft type not disclosed.
- Time of event: ~11:30 a.m., June 21 2026.
- Separation: A few hundred feet laterally; vertical separation not specified for this encounter.
- Outcome: Both flights completed their respective operations without injury.
Official Statements & Responses
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a statement confirming it is investigating the near-miss. A Delta spokesperson said the crew acted on an advisory from the aircraft’s traffic-alert system and coordinated with controllers to execute the go-around. American Airlines declined to comment directly, referring inquiries to the FAA. The FAA reiterated that go-arounds are routine, safe procedures performed at the discretion of pilots or controllers.
Criticism & Opposition
Industry observers and safety advocates have highlighted the ATC staffing shortage as a systemic vulnerability that may contribute to such incidents. Critics argue that the frequency of near-misses indicates a need for increased controller recruitment, enhanced training, or upgraded collision-avoidance technology to mitigate risks associated with intersecting runway operations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The FAA’s preliminary notice did not identify the specific American Airlines aircraft involved, and no detailed cause analysis has been released. American Airlines’ deferment to the FAA leaves a gap in airline-specific commentary. Additionally, while Flightradar24 data confirm close proximity, the exact vertical separation at the moment of the near-miss remains unreported.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Federal Aviation Administration said that it was investigating a near miss between two planes at Boston Logan International Airport that happened on Saturday morning.” — Federal Aviation Administration
- “Delta said the flight crew received an advisory from an onboard system warning of potential traffic while the plane was descending and coordinated with air traffic control to perform the go-around.” — Delta Air Lines spokesperson
- “So-called close calls between airplanes have become more common, a high-stakes problem underscored bya nationwide shortage of air traffic control operators.” — New York Times investigation
- “Go-arounds are safe, routine procedures performed at the discretion of the pilot or air traffic controllers, according to the FAA.” — Federal Aviation Administration
- “A2023 New York Times investigationfound these sorts of near-misses occur several times per week, far more often than previously known.” — New York Times investigation
What’s Next: Ongoing Investigation and Potential Safety Measures
The FAA’s investigation will examine flight-deck alerts, controller instructions, and runway-use procedures to determine contributing factors. Findings may inform recommendations on ATC staffing levels, procedural adjustments for intersecting runway operations, or enhancements to onboard traffic-alert systems. Updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
