A near-miss incident occurred on March 28, 2025, involving Delta Air Lines Flight 2983 and a group of U.S. Air Force jets, raising urgent concerns about air traffic safety over Washington D.C.

Delta Flight 2983, an Airbus A319 preparing for departure from Ronald Reagan National Airport at approximately 3:15 p.m., was cleared for take-off just as four T-38 Talon jets were approaching for a flyover of Arlington National Cemetery. The South China Morning Post reported that the plane had 136 people on board, including crew members, at the time.

As the Delta aircraft initiated its departure, an onboard alert warned the pilots of the incoming military jets. Quick action from air traffic controllers, who provided separation instructions to both aircraft, prevented any collision. No injuries occurred, and Delta later confirmed the flight safely continued to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since launched an investigation focusing on how close the planes came to colliding. The near-miss holds particular weight, coming barely two months after a tragic crash near the same airport that resulted in the deaths of 67 individuals due to a collision between an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army helicopter. This history has spurred increased scrutiny of military operations near commercial airspace, according to a report from The New York Times.

The Delta incident highlights ongoing challenges presented by dense air traffic in the area. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is known for its restricted airspace and high traffic volume, with over 800 operations daily. Experts have pointed to increasing congestion and the impact of staffing shortages among air traffic controllers as contributing factors to near-collision events. The Business Insider reported that from October 2021 to December 2024, more than 15,000 close calls between commercial aircraft and military helicopters were recorded in the vicinity of the airport.

Delta Airlines emphasized the importance of safety in their response, stating that their crew "followed procedures to maneuver the aircraft as instructed" during the unfolding situation. The FAA's investigation will likely address the systemic issues that led to the close proximity of these aircraft, as many stakeholders call for enhanced safety measures.

For further details, refer to the complete reports from South China Morning Post, The New York Times, and Business Insider.