Collision Between Two United Airlines Planes at Chicago O’Hare

CHICAGO— On Friday afternoon, October 17, 2025, two United Airlines (UA) aircraft collided while maneuvering on the taxiway at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Fortunately, the incident caused only a temporary operational delay; there were no injuries reported.

The event involved United Flight 2652, which had just arrived from Jackson Hole (JAC). While the flight was taxiing toward its designated gate, it made contact with another stationary United aircraft. There were 113 passengers and five crew members aboard the arriving flight, while the other aircraft was unoccupied.

Two United Planes Collided at O’Hare

The airline reported that the collision occurred when the right wing tip of Flight 2652 grazed the rear stabilizer of the parked aircraft. Ground personnel and airline crews promptly responded, allowing passengers to deplane without incident.

This occurrence unfolded around 2:30 p.m. local time. Initial findings suggest that the taxiing aircraft was nearing its gate when the collision took place.

Operations on the ground were briefly paused for safety assessments, including inspections of both aircraft for any possible damage.

In a statement, United Airlines affirmed that there were no injuries and confirmed the safe disembarkation of all passengers. As reported in various outlets:

Our teams followed standard safety procedures, and passengers exited the aircraft normally. Both aircraft will be thoroughly inspected before returning to service.

Passenger Experience

Travelers aboard Flight 2652 described the incident as subtle, with many thinking it was just a routine hold until they noticed activity outside. One passenger, Bill Marcus, shared that the impact was hardly perceptible:

I didn’t feel anything at first…It wasn’t until I saw more crew members gathering around the plane that I realized something had happened.

He also noted that they waited roughly 40 minutes before reaching the gate.

Despite the minor disruption, Marcus and other passengers commended the crew for their calm and clear communication during the entire process.

Investigation and Response

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and United Airlines are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the taxiway incident. Preliminary reports suggest that issues related to ground placement and visibility may have contributed to the collision.

O’Hare airport, known for its high traffic volume, can sometimes lead to challenges in ground operations. However, the FAA has indicated that this event did not create additional operational impacts at the airport.

Maintenance teams have inspected both aircraft following the incident. United Airlines has confirmed that thorough safety checks and repairs are in progress to meet all regulatory standards before the planes return to service.

Similar Incident

Within 24 hours at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), two United Airlines (UA) flights faced unrelated disruptions. Officials confirmed that both events led to precautionary safety checks and temporary flight delays, with no injuries reported.

The first incident involved a minor aircraft contact during pushback, while the second required a return to SFO due to reports of a burning smell in the cabin. Both aircraft underwent inspections as part of standard safety procedures.

The first disruption occurred on Monday evening when United Airlines Flight 1871 to Denver (DEN) accidentally clipped the tail of Flight 796 to Boston (BOS) during pushback at SFO.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that the collision transpired in a non-controlled ramp area, where aircraft movements are overseen by ground crews rather than air traffic control.

After the incident, both planes were grounded for inspection. Passengers were safely deplaned and subsequently rebooked on alternative flights.

United Airlines affirmed that no injuries occurred and that standard boarding procedures were adhered to before the events. An investigation is underway to uncover the cause.

Bottom Line

While ground collisions are rare, incidents like this one underscore the complexities involved in airport operations, especially at high-traffic hubs like O’Hare. In this case, both safety measures and crew protocols functioned effectively, ensuring no injuries occurred and minimizing disruptions.

The investigation will aim to identify whether any procedural or human errors played a role in the incident. Meanwhile, United Airlines is committed to working closely with authorities to prevent similar situations in the future.