Near Misses and Runway Incidents Spark Questions About Airline Safety Despite FAA Reassurances

What FAA Data Shows and What It Means for Passenger Safety

Flying has long been considered one of the safest modes of transportation, yet recent headlines about runway incursions and midair close calls have unsettled many travelers. Reports of commercial jets narrowly avoiding collisions at major airports, combined with acknowledged shortages of air traffic controllers, have created public concern about the state of aviation safety in the United States.

Although data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shows that fatal accidents remain rare, the number of high-profile near misses in 2024 and 2025 has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers, aviation professionals, and passengers alike. These events raise questions not only about systemic risks but also about the potential legal rights of those who suffer injuries or emotional harm in aviation-related incidents.

What the Data Says About Aviation Safety

The FAA’s data shows a long-term decline in fatal aviation accidents. Fatalities in “civil aviation,” which includes both commercial and private flights, have fallen by more than half since 2000, excluding acts of terrorism such as the September 11 hijackings. In fact, in 10 of the past 25 years, no fatalities were recorded in U.S. commercial aviation.

Despite this progress, near misses remain a legitimate safety concern. In 2024, the FAA documented 1,664 runway incursions, down from 1,837 in 2023. Serious “Category A” events—where collisions were narrowly avoided—dropped from six to two. While this shows improvement statistically, the seriousness of those rare events cannot be overstated. For the passengers and crews involved, the risk of disaster was real and immediate.

Understanding Near Misses and Runway Incursions

A “near miss” in aviation occurs when aircraft come dangerously close to colliding, either in the air or on the ground. The two most common categories are:

• Runway Incursions: These occur when a plane, vehicle, or person is on a runway without proper clearance. For example, if one aircraft begins to cross or taxi onto an active runway while another aircraft is landing or taking off, the situation can escalate rapidly into a catastrophic event.
• Loss of Separation: This refers to situations where two planes come closer than allowed under FAA rules while airborne. This may happen due to pilot error, miscommunication with air traffic control, or technical failures in radar and navigation equipment.

Recent incidents highlight how quickly these situations can develop:

• Chicago Midway (February 25, 2025): A private jet taxied across an active runway just as a Southwest Airlines flight was landing. The Southwest pilot aborted the landing at the last second.
• Phoenix (January 11, 2025): A Delta flight and a United flight came within a couple of thousand feet of one another near Sky Harbor International Airport before onboard collision warning systems triggered evasive action.
• Los Angeles (December 27, 2024): At LAX, an arriving charter jet carrying Gonzaga University’s basketball team came close to a Delta flight taking off after an air traffic controller intervened.

These close calls underscore the need for constant vigilance and investment in aviation infrastructure.

Air Traffic Controller Shortages and System Stress

One of the most pressing concerns in aviation safety is the shortage of qualified air traffic controllers. With more Americans flying post-pandemic and airlines scheduling near-capacity routes, the workload for controllers has increased dramatically.

A shortage of controllers can lead to:

• Fatigue and burnout, which heighten the risk of errors.
• Increased reliance on automated systems that may not always account for unexpected variables.
• Delays in communication between controllers and pilots can be disastrous in high-traffic environments.

While the FAA has invested in hiring and training, union leaders and aviation professionals have warned that staffing levels remain dangerously low in certain regions. This factor may contribute to the high-profile close calls reported in 2024 and 2025.

FAA Response and Safety Initiatives

The FAA has acknowledged the public’s concern and has implemented several measures aimed at reducing runway incursions and near misses. In 2023, the agency announced:

• Hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for runway improvements.
• New radar and surveillance technology to improve situational awareness.
• Infrastructure upgrades at high-traffic airports.
• A three-year plan to modernize the U.S. air traffic control system following reported radar issues at Newark Liberty International Airport.

While these efforts represent meaningful steps forward, safety advocates caution that technological solutions must be paired with adequate staffing, proper training, and a culture of accountability.

Passenger Safety and Legal Rights

Even if fatal crashes are rare, close calls and aviation incidents can cause real harm. Passengers who experience aborted landings, sudden climbs, or severe turbulence resulting from evasive maneuvers may suffer physical injuries ranging from whiplash to fractures. Additionally, the psychological toll of fearing a near collision can be significant, leading to anxiety, PTSD, or a refusal to fly again.

Potential legal claims may arise under:

• Air Carrier Liability: Airlines may be held responsible if their operations contributed to a dangerous event.
• Negligence: If inadequate staffing, pilot error, or equipment failure played a role, injured passengers may seek compensation.
• Product Liability: In cases involving faulty radar or navigation equipment, manufacturers could face lawsuits.

Compensation may cover medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. Families who lose loved ones in aviation disasters may also pursue wrongful death claims.

Why Legal Representation Matters in Aviation Cases

Aviation cases are some of the most complex in personal injury law. They often involve multiple parties, including airlines, the FAA, airport authorities, and equipment manufacturers. Proving liability requires extensive investigation, review of flight data, testimony from aviation professionals, and often coordination with federal agencies.

A national aviation accident law firm with resources to handle aviation litigation can provide victims with the representation they need. For passengers, families, and survivors, legal action is not only about financial recovery—it can also push for accountability and safety reforms that protect the flying public.

Aviation Accident Claim FAQs

Are planes actually becoming less safe?

Statistically, flying remains extremely safe. Fatal crashes in U.S. commercial aviation are rare, and overall accident rates have declined in recent decades. However, near misses and runway incursions highlight ongoing risks that demand attention.

What is a runway incursion?

A runway incursion happens when an aircraft, vehicle, or person is on a runway without proper clearance. This can lead to dangerous situations if another aircraft is landing or taking off at the same time.

Have there been recent close calls in U.S. airports?

Yes. In 2024 and 2025, several high-profile incidents occurred at airports in Chicago, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Boston, where planes came dangerously close to colliding either in the air or on the runway.

Who investigates near misses?

The FAA tracks and investigates many of these incidents, although not all rise to the level of a formal National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation. Airlines also conduct internal safety reviews.

Can passengers sue if they were injured during a near miss?

Yes. If passengers suffer physical or psychological injuries during an aviation incident, they may be entitled to compensation. Claims may be filed against airlines, equipment manufacturers, or other responsible parties.

What damages could be recovered?

Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, counseling costs for trauma, and wrongful death damages in fatal cases.

Do I need to have been physically injured to pursue a claim?

Not always. Emotional trauma such as severe anxiety, PTSD, or loss of ability to travel can form part of a claim if it can be linked directly to the aviation incident.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or a loved one were injured or traumatized during a plane incident or close call, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Parker Waichman LLP is a national personal injury law firm handling aviation-related claims across the United States. Our attorneys are actively reviewing cases involving runway incursions, midair near collisions, and other aviation safety failures.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will review your situation, explain your options, and fight to secure justice and financial recovery for you and your family.