Delta flight collides with Air Force jet during takeoff near D.C

On March 28, 2025, a Delta Air Lines flight departing from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in the United States encountered a critical incident shortly after takeoff. Delta Flight 2983, bound for Minneapolis-St. Paul, had taken off around 3:15 p.m. local time when it experienced a close call with a U.S. Air Force T-38 Talon jet, which was part of a group heading to Arlington National Cemetery for a scheduled flyover. The incident raised concerns about air safety protocols at the airport, particularly due to a similar tragic accident earlier in January that resulted in the loss of 67 lives. During the near miss, alarms on the Airbus A319 signaled to the flight crew about the proximity of the military aircraft. The Delta flight had a total of 131 passengers onboard, along with two pilots and three flight attendants, and was initially cleared for takeoff by air traffic controllers. Shortly after receiving the warning, the flight crew effectively utilized the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), which is designed to help prevent mid-air collisions. The crew followed the necessary procedures, maneuvering the aircraft as instructed by the air traffic controllers to avoid the incoming military jet. Both aircraft followed the controllers' directives, which were issued almost immediately after the alert. It was reported that the fighter jet was flying at an altitude of approximately 875 feet, which corroborated the flight crew's query to the air traffic controllers, confirming the military jet's position relative to their aircraft. The Delta flight ultimately continued to its destination without incident, arriving at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport approximately 10 minutes late due to delays experienced on the taxiway at Reagan National. Delta Air Lines emphasized their commitment to the safety of their passengers, stating that they will cooperate with any investigation conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA has since announced that an investigation will be initiated in response to this close encounter, emphasizing the need to review air traffic control measures to avoid similar future incidents. The incident draws attention to the challenges faced within the busy airspace near Washington D.C., particularly as military and civilian aircraft operate simultaneously in overlapping schedules. There are ongoing dialogues about improving communication between civilian and military flight operations to prevent such dangerous situations.