Two commercial airliners, a United Airlines flight and a Delta Air Lines flight, narrowly averted a collision on Saturday morning while approaching Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Both aircraft, carrying hundreds of passengers, received automated warnings alerting them to the proximity of the other plane. Air traffic control promptly intervened, providing corrective instructions to both flight crews, preventing a potential disaster. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident.

The near-miss occurred as United Airlines Flight 1724 from San Francisco and Delta Air Lines Flight 1070 from Detroit were preparing to land. The United flight, a Boeing 737-900, had 123 passengers and six crew members on board. The Delta flight, an Airbus A330-300, was carrying 245 passengers. Both airlines confirmed that their pilots responded immediately to the automated warnings and air traffic control instructions, ensuring the safe landing of both aircraft.

While the FAA has not disclosed the precise distance between the two planes at the time of the alert, the incident underscores the critical role of air traffic control and onboard safety systems in preventing mid-air collisions. A United spokesperson stated that the pilot received an automated flight deck warning prompting an altitude change. A Delta spokesperson emphasized the extensive training their crews undergo to manage such unusual situations, highlighting the airline's commitment to safety.