In a troubling aviation safety incident, Delta Air Lines Flight 2389, an Airbus A319 bound for Minneapolis, had a close call with a U.S. Air Force T-38 Talon while departing from Reagan Washington National Airport on Friday at 3:15 PM ET (1915 GMT). The near-miss has prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to launch an investigation, further fueling concerns over air traffic control understaffing and aviation safety in the U.S.

According to the FAA, the Delta jet received an onboard collision warning alert, indicating another aircraft was dangerously close. Air traffic controllers immediately issued corrective instructions to both aircraft, preventing a potential mid-air disaster. The four U.S. Air Force T-38 Talon jets were en route to Arlington National Cemetery for a planned flyover when the incident occurred.

Senator Amy Klobuchar Calls Incident “Unbelievably Dangerous”

The incident has triggered strong reactions from policymakers, with Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota expressing her concerns over the military aircraft flying so close to a commercial passenger jet carrying 131 passengers and five crew members.

“This was unbelievably dangerous and thank God people are safe. My first call to the Department of Defense tomorrow: why are your planes flying 500 feet below passenger jets full of Minnesotans?” she stated.

The Pentagon has acknowledged reports about the incident but has yet to issue an official statement.

Delta Air Lines Confirms Compliance with Air Traffic Instructions

Delta Air Lines confirmed the incident, stating that the flight crew followed standard procedures and maneuvered as instructed by air traffic controllers.

"The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority. We will fully cooperate with regulators and aviation stakeholders in any review of this flight," a Delta spokesperson said.

Sources revealed that as the Delta flight climbed after takeoff, the pilot contacted controllers, asking if there was “an actual aircraft about 500 feet below us.” The controller confirmed the presence of the military jet, highlighting the critical nature of the near miss.

Growing Concerns Over Aviation Safety After Recent Deadly Crash

The latest near-miss follows a tragic mid-air collision on January 29, also near Reagan Washington National Airport, when a passenger jet and a U.S. Army helicopter crashed, killing 67 people. This marked the first fatal U.S. passenger airline crash in 16 years and led to renewed discussions on aviation safety regulations.

In response to that fatal accident, the FAA imposed permanent restrictions on non-essential helicopter operations around Reagan Airport and prohibited helicopters and passenger jets from flying in close proximity.

Other Recent Near-Miss Incidents Raise Alarm

This is just the latest in a series of troubling aviation near-miss incidents that have occurred in the past two years, further highlighting concerns about the strain on U.S. air traffic control operations.

• February 2024: A Southwest Airlines flight narrowly avoided a collision at Chicago Midway Airport, coming within 200 feet of a business jet before aborting its landing.

• March 1, 2024: More than a dozen flights on final approach to Reagan National Airport received false cockpit collision warnings, prompting at least six pilots to abort landings. This was later attributed to government testing of counter-drone technology.

Strain on Air Traffic Controllers and ADS-B Concerns

Aviation experts have raised concerns over the FAA’s staffing shortages and the role of military aircraft in civilian airspace. Additionally, the U.S. military has faced criticism for not utilizing the Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast (ADS-B) system on certain aircraft, including helicopters on training flights.

The ADS-B system is a key technology used in modern aviation to improve situational awareness and prevent mid-air collisions. Following the January 29 fatal crash, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued urgent recommendations for stricter safety protocols.

What’s Next? FAA Investigation and Policy Changes Expected

The FAA will now conduct a full investigation into the Delta Air Lines near-miss and determine whether corrective action is needed for military flight operations near commercial air traffic.

Industry analysts predict that this investigation could lead to new policies on coordination between military and civilian aircraft, along with a greater focus on air traffic control staffing and improved communication protocols.

Final Thoughts

The near-collision involving Delta Air Lines Flight 2389 highlights ongoing aviation safety challenges in the U.S. While quick action by controllers prevented a disaster, the incident raises serious questions about the coordination between military and civilian flights.

As the FAA launches its investigation, aviation authorities, airlines, and policymakers must work together to strengthen safety protocols and address gaps in air traffic control operations to prevent future near-misses and potential tragedies.

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