ATLANTA, GA — July 21, 2025 — A Delta Air Lines flight narrowly avoided a midair collision with a U.S. military jet on Sunday, prompting federal investigations and renewed calls for improved airspace coordination.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Delta Flight 2376, an Airbus A321 en route from Atlanta to Dallas, executed an “aggressive maneuver” at approximately 11:20 a.m. Eastern time. The maneuver was initiated after the aircraft’s collision avoidance system alerted the pilots to an incoming military jet operating in the same airspace over northern Alabama.
Incident Details
The Delta jet, carrying 184 passengers and crew, was cruising at 34,000 feet when it encountered the military aircraft, identified by officials as an F-16 Fighting Falcon conducting a routine training mission from Maxwell Air Force Base. The FAA reported that the two planes came within less than 1,000 feet vertically and 1.5 miles horizontally — well inside the minimum separation standards for civilian and military aircraft.
Air traffic controllers reportedly issued a traffic alert, but the Delta pilot initiated a sharp turn and rapid descent, described by passengers as “sudden and steep.” No injuries were reported, and the aircraft landed safely at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport at 1:02 p.m. local time.
FAA and Military Response
The FAA and U.S. Air Force have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the near-miss. Preliminary findings suggest a communication breakdown between military and civilian air traffic control sectors. In a statement, the FAA emphasized that “the safety of passengers and crew is our top priority,” and confirmed that all protocols were being reviewed.
Delta Air Lines acknowledged the incident and praised the flight crew’s professionalism. “Our pilots are trained to respond to all emergency situations, including unexpected encounters in shared airspace,” the airline said.
Calls for Improved Airspace Management
This incident comes amid growing concerns over the increasingly crowded U.S. skies, especially with expanded military exercises and rising commercial flight volumes during the busy summer travel season. Aviation safety experts are urging renewed efforts to modernize air traffic management systems and enhance coordination between civilian and military operations.
- No injuries reported among passengers or crew.
- FAA and Air Force conducting joint investigation.
- Incident renews debate over airspace coordination and safety protocols.
More information will be released as the investigation progresses. Passengers on Delta Flight 2376 were offered travel credits and counseling services in the aftermath of the event.
