Here is further evidence of a lack of air traffic controllers. For the second time in six weeks, a flight departing from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport had to abort its takeoff to avoid colliding with another incoming plane.
The incident happened on Wednesday this week and involved an American Airlines plane preparing to leave for Boston. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating.
“An
air traffic controller cancelled the takeoff clearance for American Airlines
Flight 2134 because another aircraft was cleared to land on an intersecting
runway,” the FAA said in a statement.
“The safety of our customers and team members is our
top priority, and we’re grateful to our crew for their professionalism. We will
support the FAA in its investigation,” American Airlines said in a statement.
Ironically, the FAA is investigating a similar incident at the same airport in April.
Wednesday’s flight eventually took off for Boston but arrived four hours late.
The pressing issue of airline safety and the potential for runway collisions have been at the forefront of discussions and in the public eye for the past several months, if not longer, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and potential changes in air traffic control procedures.
And it hasn’t
just been on the runways.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
American Airlines Changed How Long Your Travel Credits Last—3 Tricks to Get the Most Out of Them by Gary Leff on September 7, 2024
American Airlines Investors: Deadline Approaching for Class Action Lawsuit
Editor’s Note: Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter. Get the latest news in aviation, food and drink, w
American Airlines to launch its new direct flight between Athens and Charl