Japan Airlines and Delta Planes Collide at Seattle Airport – No Injuries Reported

A Japan Airlines Boeing 787 collided with a parked Delta Boeing 737 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Wednesday morning. No injuries were reported, but airport officials and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation.

Authorities responded to the incident at 10:17 a.m. local time, according to a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Passengers from both flights deplaned safely, and crews worked to move the aircraft off the taxi lane.

Incident Details and Passenger Reactions

Japan Airlines flight JL68, arriving from Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, was taxiing when its right wingtip struck the tail of Delta flight 1921. Delta’s aircraft was stationary, undergoing deicing procedures before its scheduled flight to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

Delta spokesperson Samantha Moore Facteau confirmed that 142 passengers were aboard the affected aircraft. Japan Airlines reported 172 passengers and 13 crew members on board its aircraft. Both airlines relocated passengers to alternate flights.

Delta passenger Jason Chan described the collision as a slight jolt, stating that the aircraft “jiggled” momentarily before the captain informed passengers of the incident. Chan and other travelers were bused back to the terminal to await rescheduled flights.

FAA Investigation and Airport Response

The FAA has begun its investigation, with spokesperson Sam Lichtman confirming that officials will review pilot actions, air traffic control communications, and aircraft movements.

The Seattle airport authority assured that the incident had a minimal impact on overall operations, as it occurred on a designated taxi lane. However, travelers flying through SEA were advised to check with their airlines for potential schedule changes.

Recent Aviation Incidents Raise Safety Concerns

This collision follows other recent aviation incidents, raising concerns about ground safety. On Monday, a Delta flight from New York’s JFK to Orlando was diverted to Raleigh due to an unidentified cabin odor. On Sunday, a United Airlines flight at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport was evacuated due to a reported engine issue.

As investigations continue, aviation authorities emphasize safety measures to prevent similar incidents. Passengers affected by the Seattle collision have been provided alternate travel accommodations by Delta and Japan Airlines.

More…

• https://www.foxnews.com/us/delta-airlines-japan-airlines-planes-collide-seattle
• https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/japan-airlines-jet-wing-strikes-delta-air-plane-on-ground-in-seattle
• https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/05/us/delta-japan-airlines-collision-seattle-airport.html