Delta A350 clips parked Air Canada jet at LAX, causing delays but no injuries

Key points

• Delta Flight 7, carrying 275 customers and 15 crew members, was taxiing for departure to Haneda, Japan, when it made contact with Air Canada Flight 785.
• The Air Canada aircraft was being towed to its gate at the time of the collision, according to an Air Canada spokesperson.
• The Delta plane's left wing clipped the horizontal stabilizer of the Air Canada jet, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration.
• No injuries were reported to passengers or crew members on either aircraft.
• The FAA has opened an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the collision.

Background

This incident occurs shortly after Delta Air Lines announced its largest-ever schedule expansion at Los Angeles International Airport, which includes adding new routes and increasing frequencies to support a premium-focused strategy. The airport has also seen other recent aviation incidents, including a plane landing with flames in August 2026, highlighting ongoing safety scrutiny at the hub.

Why it matters

The collision underscores the critical importance of spatial awareness and ground handling procedures at one of the world's busiest airports. While no injuries were reported, the incident highlights potential risks in taxiway operations and may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny or procedural changes at LAX. It also affects passenger travel plans and airline reputations, particularly for Delta, which is aggressively expanding its presence at the airport.

What to watch

The FAA will continue its investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Both Delta and Air Canada are inspecting their aircraft for damage, which may lead to temporary grounding or repair delays. Passengers affected by the incident may experience further delays as the airport manages the aftermath and any resulting operational adjustments.