Japan Airlines Delays 16 Flights After A350 Collision at JFK Airport
NEW YORK- Japan Airlines (JL) is currently managing operational disruptions following a ground collision at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. This incident involved a parked Japan Airlines aircraft and an Airbus A330 chartered by Arkia Airlines (IZ) and operated by Hi Fly (5K).
The airline has confirmed significant delays for multiple flights that are either departing from or arriving at Haneda Airport in Tokyo (HND), as maintenance crews work on necessary repairs.
Japan Airlines A350 Grounded
The collision occurred around 12:40 AM on December 14, 2025. A Hi Fly Airbus A330 being towed by ground staff accidentally made contact with the left-side cockpit window of a Japan Airlines A350 that was parked for maintenance at JFK. Fortunately, no passengers or crew were aboard either aircraft, and there were no reported injuries.
This situation necessitates repairs on the affected aircraft, leading to a ripple effect of schedule changes throughout the airline. Despite attempts to minimize disruption, Japan Airlines has had to confirm aircraft substitutions and delays across several international routes.
Arkia has communicated directly with its passengers, beginning the process of rebooking them onto alternative flights. Hi Fly is providing a replacement aircraft to ensure Arkia’s operations can resume smoothly without extended delay.
Impact on Japan Airlines Operations
Japan Airlines has reported that 16 flights are affected, with delays stretching up to 15 hours and 55 minutes. These disruptions are effective from December 19 to December 22, with the airline indicating potential continued changes beyond December 23. Currently, around 3,144 passengers are impacted by these delays.
Most of the delays pertain to long-haul routes connecting Haneda with major international destinations, including London, New York, Singapore, Los Angeles, and Dallas-Fort Worth. The airline is regularly updating its operational status as recovery efforts advance.
Flight Delay Summary
The following flights are among those experiencing delays:
- JL043 Haneda to London
- JL044 London to Haneda
- JL006 Haneda to New York
- JL005 New York to Haneda
- JL037 Haneda to Singapore
- JL036 Singapore to Haneda
- JL016 Haneda to Los Angeles
- JL015 Los Angeles to Haneda
- JL012 Haneda to Dallas Fort Worth
- JL011 Dallas Fort Worth to Haneda
Maximum delay: 15 hours and 55 minutes
Total delayed flights: 16
Total affected passengers: 3,144
Passenger Communication and Next Steps
Japan Airlines appreciates the understanding of its customers and stakeholders as the airline works towards returning to normal operations.
Passengers of Arkia are receiving timely updates, and rebooking measures are already in progress. Both airlines anticipate a return to stable operations once necessary repairs and fleet adjustments are finalized.
Similar Incident
A previous incident involving Japan Airlines and Delta Air Lines (DL) occurred on February 5, 2025, when a JAL aircraft made contact while taxiing at Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The Japan Airlines Boeing 787-9 arriving from Tokyo Narita (NRT) collided with the tail of a parked Delta Boeing 737-800.
This incident happened at 10:17 AM local time, triggering an immediate response from Port of Seattle emergency teams. Both planes were carrying full passenger loads and were managed by crews during safe deplaning and subsequent procedures.
Collision Details and Early Findings
The Japan Airlines 787-9 was taxiing toward its gate upon arrival from Tokyo Narita with 172 passengers and 13 crew members when the right wingtip struck the tail of the stationary Delta 737-800, which was preparing for a flight to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) with 142 passengers on board.
Emergency teams helped both aircraft, ensuring orderly evacuation and follow-up checks were conducted. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.
Social media posts from several passengers revealed the aftermath, with some describing a sudden jolt while others noted a brief shake before the captain provided clarity on the situation.
Passengers aboard the Delta aircraft were escorted back to the terminal for rebooking, while Japan Airlines passengers followed standard post-incident procedures.
Airport Operations and Initial Response
Seattle Tacoma International Airport reported that operations remained stable since the collision occurred in a taxi lane rather than an active runway. No significant delays were reported, although travelers were advised to remain updated on airline communications.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun an investigation into the incident, reviewing ground procedures, communication logs, and aircraft positioning to determine the series of events and any contributing factors.
Airline Statements and Next Steps
Both Japan Airlines and Delta Air Lines acknowledged the incident; however, detailed assessments regarding aircraft damage or effects on upcoming flight schedules have yet to be released. Both airlines are fully cooperating with investigators.
Inspections of the affected aircraft will take place to evaluate maintenance needs and ensure safety protocols are adhered to. Findings will be shared once the FAA’s assessment is complete.
