Sudhir Choudhary | March 20, 2026
Close Call on Runway Raises Aviation Safety Concerns
A serious aviation incident was narrowly avoided at Newark Liberty International Airport when an Alaska Airlines passenger jet and a FedEx cargo aircraft came dangerously close to colliding on the runway, according to preliminary aviation reports.
The incident occurred on March 19, 2026, at approximately 9:32 p.m. local time, involving an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 preparing for takeoff and a FedEx cargo aircraft approaching for landing. Air traffic controllers intervened moments before a potential collision, issuing urgent instructions that prevented the two aircraft from occupying the same runway space simultaneously.
No injuries or damage were reported.
Sequence of Events Under Investigation
According to early findings from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Alaska Airlines flight had been cleared for departure while the FedEx aircraft was simultaneously cleared to land on the same runway.
Key details currently under review include:
- Whether there was a miscommunication between air traffic control and flight crews
- The timing and sequencing of runway clearance instructions
- The response time of pilots following last-minute corrective directives
Audio recordings from air traffic control indicate that controllers issued a go-around command to the FedEx aircraft, instructing it to abort landing and climb, while the Alaska Airlines jet was told to hold position.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a parallel investigation to determine contributing factors.
Aircraft Proximity and Risk Assessment
Preliminary data suggests the two aircraft came within a critical proximity threshold, though exact separation distances have not yet been officially released.
Aviation experts note that runway incursions—situations where aircraft, vehicles, or personnel are incorrectly present on a runway—are among the most serious risks in commercial aviation.
In this case:
- The FedEx aircraft initiated a go-around maneuver seconds before touchdown
- The Alaska Airlines jet had not yet begun full takeoff roll
- Safety protocols functioned as designed, preventing escalation into an accident
The FAA classifies such incidents based on severity, but a formal classification for this event has not yet been issued.
Airline and Authority Responses
Both Alaska Airlines and FedEx confirmed their aircraft were involved in the incident and stated that their crews followed air traffic control instructions.
In separate statements:
- Alaska Airlines emphasized its commitment to safety and full cooperation with investigators
- FedEx acknowledged the go-around maneuver and confirmed no injuries occurred
The FAA stated it is reviewing controller communications, radar data, and operational procedures at Newark. The NTSB is expected to issue a preliminary report in the coming weeks.
Broader Safety Implications
The incident adds to a series of recent near-miss events at major U.S. airports, prompting renewed scrutiny of air traffic control systems and runway management protocols.
Experts highlight several contributing risk factors in such scenarios:
- High traffic volume at busy hubs like Newark
- Complex runway configurations
- Human factors, including communication timing and workload
Federal authorities have been implementing enhanced safety technologies, including runway status lights and improved ground radar systems, aimed at reducing the likelihood of such incidents.
Conclusion
The near collision between an Alaska Airlines passenger jet and a FedEx cargo plane at Newark Liberty International Airport underscores the critical importance of precise coordination in aviation operations. While disaster was avoided due to timely intervention, the incident remains under active investigation.
Findings from the FAA and NTSB will be central to determining whether procedural changes or additional safeguards are necessary to prevent similar close calls in the future.
Sources
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) preliminary report
- National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation notice
- Associated Press
- Reuters
Tags: Newark Airport, Alaska Airlines, FedEx, aviation safety, runway near miss
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