New York, United States: A serious aviation safety incident unfolded at John F. Kennedy International Airport on April 20, 2026, when two commercial passenger jets came dangerously close during parallel approaches, prompting emergency evasive action and a federal investigation.
The aircraft involved were Republic Airways Flight 4464, operating as an American Airlines service, and Jazz Aviation Flight 554, operating for Air Canada Express. Both aircraft were on final approach to parallel runways when the incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time.
According to preliminary findings, the American Airlines-operated regional jet deviated from its assigned approach path and entered the airspace of the Air Canada flight, which had been cleared to land on a parallel runway.
Flight tracking data indicates the American aircraft descended sharply by roughly 600 feet while drifting into the adjacent approach corridor, creating an immediate conflict with the Air Canada jet.
At their closest point, the two aircraft were separated by approximately 350 feet vertically and about 0.6 miles horizontally, well below standard separation minima.
Both aircraft received Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alerts, triggering urgent resolution advisories. Pilots responded immediately, executing coordinated evasive maneuvers in line with standard safety procedures.
Air traffic controllers simultaneously issued corrective instructions. The Air Canada crew was directed to climb to approximately 3,000 feet, while the American flight was instructed to correct its trajectory.
Cockpit audio from the incident captured warning alarms and urgent controller instructions, reflecting the severity of the situation.
Both aircraft aborted their landings and executed go-arounds before repositioning for safe arrivals. No injuries were reported, and both flights landed without further incident.
Airlines involved confirmed that crews followed established procedures. Air Canada stated its pilots “received a traffic warning… and took immediate action,” while Republic Airways confirmed its crew complied with resolution advisories and safely completed a go-around.
The Federal Aviation Administration has launched a formal investigation into the incident, focusing on the deviation from the assigned approach path, air traffic control coordination, and adherence to separation protocols.
The event is being treated as a significant loss-of-separation incident, with authorities expected to analyse flight data, ATC communications, and TCAS responses.
