Close Call Between Planes at Newark Airport

The National Transportation Safety Board said on Thursday, March 20, 2026, that it is investigating a close call between two airplanes at Newark Liberty International Airport.

The incident involved an Alaska Airlines flight and a FedEx cargo plane. Both aircraft were trying to land on runways that cross each other, which created a risky situation.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), an air traffic controller told Alaska Airlines Flight 294, a Boeing 737, to perform a “go-around.” This means the plane had to stop its landing and fly up again to avoid danger. At the same time, FedEx Flight 721, a Boeing 777, had already been given permission to land on a nearby intersecting runway.

The quick action by the air traffic controller helped prevent a possible accident. Both planes followed instructions, and no injuries or damage were reported.

The FAA has also started its own investigation into the incident. Officials want to understand exactly what happened and ensure that such close calls are avoided in the future.

This event highlights how important coordination and communication are in air traffic control, especially at busy airports where multiple planes are landing and taking off at the same time.