Overview

• On April 17, a Swiss Air flight bound for Zurich narrowly avoided a collision on the JFK runway when the pilot aborted takeoff upon spotting other planes crossing the path.
• The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident, which involved miscommunication between air traffic controllers and multiple aircraft.
• This incident adds to a series of recent close calls at U.S. airports, raising questions about air traffic control safety and operational protocols.
• Swiss Air praised its crew's high level of situational awareness and professional response, which prevented a potential disaster.
• Aviation experts suggest that a shortage of air traffic controllers, exacerbated by the pandemic, may be contributing to the increased frequency of such incidents.