Delta jet aborts takeoff over near collision with landing plane

The near-miss unfolded on July 21 at Mexico City International Airport, where Delta’s Boeing 737 had been cleared for departure to Atlanta. Just as the jet began rolling down Runway 5R, the flight crew spotted another aircraft descending, straight into their path, Airlive reported.

The incoming plane, an Embraer 190 operated by Aeromexico Connect, touched down a mere 60 meters above and ahead of the Delta jet, according to tracking site FlightRadar24. Delta's pilots aborted takeoff immediately and returned to the gate.

The U.S. airline said the aircraft, carrying 144 passengers and six crew, was later refueled and departed for Atlanta after consultations with safety officials.

Aeromexico on July 22 confirmed its flight was arriving from Aguascalientes and said it is cooperating with authorities in a full investigation.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) acknowledged the incident but declined to comment further.

Former military pilot Steve Ganyard suggested a possible runway mix-up at the airport, which operates with two parallel runways, ABC News reported.