Delta Flight Narrowly Avoids Midair Collision Over Colorado
Denver, CO — A Delta Air Lines pilot performed an "aggressive manoeuvre" on Sunday, July 20, 2025, to avoid a potential midair collision with a U.S. military aircraft, according to preliminary reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The incident occurred at approximately 1:15 p.m. local time, as Delta Flight 237, a Boeing 737 en route from Seattle to Dallas, was cruising at 36,000 feet over eastern Colorado. The FAA confirmed that the commercial jet's collision-avoidance system alerted the crew to an approaching military aircraft operating in the same airspace.
Immediate Action Prevents Disaster
According to a statement from Delta Air Lines, the pilot responded to the alert by executing a rapid descent and banking maneuver, narrowly avoiding the military jet by fewer than 500 feet — a distance significantly below the standard vertical separation required in controlled airspace.
No injuries were reported among the 148 passengers and six crew members on board. The flight continued safely to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, where it landed without further incident.
FAA and Military Launch Joint Investigation
The FAA and United States Air Force have launched a joint investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings suggest the military aircraft, an F-16 fighter jet, was conducting a training exercise in a nearby restricted zone but may have inadvertently entered civilian airspace due to a navigational error.
In a brief statement, Air Force officials acknowledged the incident, stating, "We are cooperating fully with the FAA to determine the cause of the airspace incursion and to ensure the continued safety of both military and civilian aviation operations."
Calls for Enhanced Airspace Coordination
The close call has renewed calls for enhanced coordination between military and civilian air traffic controllers, particularly in congested airspace over the central United States. Aviation safety experts note that while incidents of this nature are rare, they highlight ongoing challenges in managing shared airspace.
- Delta has expressed gratitude for the swift actions of its flight crew.
- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified but has not opened a formal investigation at this time.
- Passengers were offered counseling and travel vouchers following their arrival in Dallas.
The FAA is expected to release a preliminary report on the incident within the next two weeks.
