Alaska Airlines and FedEx jets avoid collision at Newark after last-second go-around

A serious near-miss occurred at Newark Liberty International Airport when an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 (reg. N738AL) and a FedEx Boeing 777F (reg. N853FD) came within just 300–325 feet of each other while approaching intersecting runways.

The incident took place as the Alaska flight AS294 from Portland and the FedEx cargo flight FX721from Memphis were both on final approach. Air traffic control instructed the Alaska aircraft to perform a go-around at approximately 150 feet above the ground—just seconds before landing—while the FedEx plane continued its approach.

According to preliminary radar data, the two aircraft passed with minimal separation, highlighting the severity of the situation. No injuries were reported, and both flights landed safely.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched investigations into the incident. Early statements indicate the go-around was ordered because the FedEx aircraft had already been cleared to land on the intersecting runway.