Two United Airlines planes collide at San Francisco airport

On May 6, 2025, two United Airlines planes collided at the San Francisco International Airport during pushback operations. The incident involved United Airlines Flight 863, which was scheduled for departure to Sydney, Australia, and United Airlines Flight 877, bound for Hong Kong. The collision occurred around 12:30 a.m. local time when the right wingtip of Flight 863 struck the left wingtip of Flight 877 in an area where air traffic controllers did not communicate with flight crews. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and passengers aboard both aircraft deplaned without incident. Following the incident, United Airlines confirmed that they were cooperating with customers for rebooking on alternative flights. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. This incident marks the second such occurrence in less than a month, following an American Airlines incident involving two regional jets at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The FAA’s inquiry into these recent wingtip collisions could yield insights into safety measures needed in congested airport environments, where communications and maneuvers occur without standard oversight. Both aircraft involved in this incident were Boeing 777 models, which are commonly used for international flights. The lack of communication between air traffic controllers and the flight crews at San Francisco International Airport raises concerns about safety protocols and the effectiveness of ground operations during pushback. Airlines and regulatory authorities are likely to examine this incident closely to prevent similar occurrences in the future, particularly as air travel remains a critical mode of transportation for millions of passengers each year. Reports suggest that while such incidents occur infrequently, the ramifications for the airline industry can be significant, both in terms of public perception and regulatory scrutiny. Airlines must demonstrate diligence in operational safety to uphold their reputations, especially in light of recent events. The FAA has not only sworn to investigate this case but also indicated a need for enhanced communication protocols to mitigate risks at busy airports, where multiple aircraft operate in close proximity. The incidents last month and this one highlight a troubling trend that continues to unfold within the aviation sector, necessitating thorough examinations and potential policy changes going forward.