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An airport collision involving Delta Air Lines and Air Canada aircraft occurred Tuesday at Los Angeles International Airport, prompting inspections and possible travel delays. The incident happened shortly after an Air Canada plane arrived from Toronto and was being towed toward its gate.
According to statements provided to Fox News Digital, no injuries were initially reported. The aircraft made contact on the airport tarmac, where ground crews were positioning the Air Canada jet for arrival operations.
Breaking Airport Collision Involves Delta and Air Canada
Delta Air Lines Flight 7, scheduled to depart for Tokyo, struck the Air Canada aircraft with its left wingtip while taxiing, a Delta spokesperson said. The Delta flight was carrying 275 passengers and 15 crew members at the time.
“While taxiing at Los Angeles International Airport, a Delta aircraft made contact with an Air Canada aircraft,” Delta said in a statement. The airline apologized to passengers for the experience and any resulting disruption, adding that the safety of customers and employees remained its top priority.
The contact involved a Delta Airbus A350-900. Delta maintenance crews and airport personnel began assessing the aircraft after the incident, while the airline considered options for accommodating passengers and continuing the journey to Tokyo.
Air Canada Jet Removed From Service
Air Canada Flight AC785 had just arrived in Los Angeles from Toronto when the aircraft was being towed to its arrival gate. The airline said another carrier’s aircraft made contact with the tail section of its plane.
“There are no reported injuries,” Air Canada said. The aircraft was taken out of service for inspection and repairs. A video posted online and referenced in the report showed visible damage, including a gash on part of the aircraft.
The incident illustrates the complex coordination required during ground operations at major airports. Passenger planes frequently move through busy taxiways, ramps and gate areas, sometimes with the assistance of towing vehicles and ground crews.
What Happens After an Airport Tarmac Collision?
Following an airport ground accident, airline maintenance teams typically examine the aircraft for structural damage and determine whether it can safely continue flying. The review may include the wings, tail, fuselage, landing gear and other critical components.
- Maintenance teams inspect both aircraft for visible and internal damage.
- Airlines evaluate replacement aircraft and passenger rebooking options.
- Airport personnel review the movement of aircraft and towing equipment.
- Investigators collect statements, operational records and video evidence.
Delta said it would cooperate with the National Transportation Safety Board, which is expected to investigate the incident. The review could focus on the aircraft’s movement, communication between ground personnel and the circumstances surrounding the contact.
Passengers Could Face Delays
Although no injuries were reported, an aircraft collision can create significant logistical challenges. Passengers may need to wait for another plane, transfer to a different flight or receive updated departure information while repairs and safety checks are completed.
Delta said it was working to accommodate the passengers on Flight 7 and evaluating recovery options. The airline did not immediately provide a final departure time for the Tokyo-bound flight.
Airport officials and airline crews are also expected to examine whether the incident affected nearby operations. Los Angeles International Airport is one of the nation’s busiest aviation hubs, and even a localized ground event can lead to congestion during peak travel periods.
Airport Safety Review Remains Ongoing
The Los Angeles incident comes amid continued scrutiny of aviation safety and ground operations. While runway accidents often attract the greatest attention, collisions on airport ramps and taxiways can also cause costly damage and disrupt hundreds of travelers.
In March, an Air Canada regional aircraft collided with a Port Authority airport vehicle at LaGuardia Airport in New York. That crash destroyed the front of the plane, killed two pilots and injured dozens of people. The Los Angeles event was less severe, with no injuries initially reported.
Investigators will determine whether additional factors contributed to Tuesday’s collision. Until the inspection process is complete, the final extent of damage to the Delta and Air Canada aircraft remains unclear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Los Angeles International Airport?
A Delta Air Lines passenger jet made contact with an Air Canada aircraft that was being towed toward a gate after arriving from Toronto.
Were any passengers injured?
No injuries were initially reported by either airline following the airport collision.
Which Delta flight was involved?
Delta Flight 7, scheduled to fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo, was involved. The aircraft was carrying 275 passengers and 15 crew members.
What happened to the Air Canada aircraft?
Air Canada said its aircraft was removed from service for inspection and repairs after the contact with the Delta plane.
Will the incident cause flight delays?
Passengers could face delays or rebooking while the airlines inspect the aircraft and arrange travel alternatives. The investigation remains ongoing.