On Tuesday, March 19, 2026, radar data revealed a critical near-miss between an Alaska Airlines 737 and a FedEx 777 cargo plane as they approached intersecting runways at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The incident occurred at approximately 8:17 p.m., with the Alaska flight arriving from Portland, Oregon, and the FedEx plane coming from Memphis, Tennessee. According to FlightRadar24 data, the two aircraft narrowly avoided a collision by only 300 to 325 feet—a margin that underscores the precision required in high-stakes airport operations.
The near-miss highlights the complex challenges of managing air traffic at major hubs with multiple aircraft types and routes. Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the busiest in the United States, handles over 40 million annual passengers and more than 15,000 aircraft movements per year, creating a dynamic environment where even minor deviations can have significant consequences. Air traffic controllers must constantly monitor multiple aircraft in close proximity, often with limited visual contact due to weather conditions or other operational constraints.
Analysis of the incident reveals how modern air traffic management systems work to prevent collisions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employs sophisticated radar systems and automated alerts to detect potential conflicts between aircraft. In this case, the radar data provided crucial insights into the precise moment when the two planes were closest to each other. This incident serves as a reminder of the advanced technology used to keep aircraft safe, even when visual confirmation is difficult.
The incident also raises questions about the increasing use of cargo aircraft in high-traffic airports. Cargo planes often operate on different schedules and routes compared to passenger planes, and their larger size and higher weight can impact runway safety. With the global supply chain becoming increasingly complex, cargo operations are growing rapidly, making it essential for airports to adapt their procedures to handle the growing volume of cargo traffic.
Experts in aviation safety emphasize the importance of continuous training and technological advancements in preventing such close calls. The FAA has implemented several initiatives to improve runway safety, including the use of enhanced ground proximity warning systems and more precise runway entry procedures. However, the incident also highlights the need for ongoing communication and coordination between airlines, air traffic control, and airport authorities to address emerging challenges in the aviation industry.
As air travel continues to expand, particularly in the context of rising global demand for both passenger and cargo services, the incident underscores the critical role of technology and human expertise in maintaining safety standards. The near-miss at Newark provides valuable data for further analysis of runway safety protocols and potential improvements to existing systems.