Alaska Airlines 737s Collide at Seattle Airport

Alaska Airlines Planes Involved in Minor Wingtip Collision at Seattle-Tacoma Airport

SEATTLE – Two Alaska Airlines planes collided while preparing for takeoff at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), prompting passengers to disembark and return to the gate. This incident, involving a minor wingtip contact between a Boeing 737-800 and a Boeing 737-900, occurred just after noon on Saturday, May 17, 2025, as both aircraft were set for California destinations. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, although the incident did lead to some disruptions.

Details of the Alaska Airlines Wingtip Collision

The collision occurred during a busy Saturday afternoon, a peak time for departures at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Ground-service tugs were conducting pushback maneuvers when the two Alaska Airlines jets made contact with their wings. One of the planes was bound for Orange County John Wayne Airport (SNA), while the other was headed to Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

• No Injuries: The collision was minor, and the safety protocols were promptly enacted.
• Passenger Actions: Passengers were deplaned and later rebooked on alternate flights to minimize inconvenience.
• Operational Impact: According to Kassie McKnight-Xi, a spokesperson for the Port of Seattle, the incident did not cause significant operational delays.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced an investigation to ensure all safety protocols and ground-handling procedures were followed.

Comparative Incidents in Aviation

Wingtip collisions, while rare, have occurred in other instances across the aviation industry. One notable incident involved two United Airlines Boeing 777-300ER aircraft that collided at San Francisco International Airport on May 6, 2025. During pushback operations, the right wingtip of one aircraft struck the left wingtip of the other. This incident led to the cancellation of both flights, though no injuries were reported.

• Similar Events:
  • On February 5, a Japan Airlines Boeing 787-9 collided with a Delta Airlines Boeing 737-800 at Seattle-Tacoma Airport.
  • Earlier in January, American Airlines faced two separate wingtip collision incidents at LaGuardia and O’Hare airports.

Conclusion and Ongoing Updates

As the FAA investigates the Alaska Airlines wingtip collision, it highlights the importance of safety protocols in aviation. Such incidents remind passengers and airlines alike of the complexities involved in ground operations.

For more information on aviation safety and similar incidents, consider exploring external resources like the FAA’s official website or related articles on recent aviation events.

We invite readers to share their thoughts on this incident or read more about aviation safety in our related articles.