Los Angeles, United States: A serious runway incursion at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) prompted an Air France Boeing 777 to abort takeoff at high speed, after another aircraft entered the active runway without authorization, triggering safety alerts and immediate intervention by air traffic control.
The incident occurred on April 8, 2026, involving Air France Flight AF25, a Boeing 777-300ER scheduled to operate from Los Angeles to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft had been cleared for departure from Runway 24L and had already begun its takeoff roll when the situation unfolded.
Air traffic controllers abruptly cancelled the takeoff clearance after a Gulfstream G650ER business jet entered the same runway without authorization. The Gulfstream had just landed at LAX following a short flight from San Francisco and had been explicitly instructed to hold short of the runway, which the pilot acknowledged before proceeding past the hold line.
As the Air France aircraft accelerated, runway status lights turned red, warning of a potential conflict. The flight crew immediately initiated a rejected takeoff (RTO) procedure, applying heavy braking while still under power.
Air traffic control recordings captured the urgency of the moment, with controllers informing the Air France crew that the Gulfstream had crossed onto the runway and into their path.
The Boeing 777 slowed safely and exited the runway without incident. The aircraft remained off the runway for approximately 10 minutes before returning for departure. It later took off normally and completed its transatlantic flight to Paris without further issues.
The incident is now under investigation, raising renewed concerns about runway safety at one of the world’s busiest airports.
