TCAS Saves Volaris A320neo, United Express Jet From Collision at Houston IAH

December 28, 2025 at 08:47 PM•3 min read

Volaris Airlines and United Express jets narrowly avoided a mid-air collision at Houston IAH on December 18 after a Volaris A320neo pilot made an incorrect turn, triggering a TCAS

Key Points

1The near-collision involved a Volaris Airbus A320neo and a United Express Embraer E145 during simultaneous takeoffs from parallel runways at Houston IAH.
2The primary cause was a pilot deviation: the Volaris crew made an unauthorized right turn instead of the instructed left turn, placing them on a collision course.
3The aircraft's TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) issued a Resolution Advisory, prompting both crews to take evasive action and prevent a mid-air collision at low altitude.
4The incident underscores the FAA's ongoing focus on reducing runway incursions, which totaled 1,115 in the 12 months ending May 31, 2024.

A near-catastrophic incident occurred at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) on December 18. A Volaris Airlines Airbus A320neo and a United Express Embraer E145 narrowly avoided a mid-air collision during simultaneous takeoff operations. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about runway safety and pilot adherence to air traffic control (ATC) instructions.

Incident Details and Pilot Error

The Volaris El Salvador flight (N3-4321 to San Salvador) and the United Express flight (UA-4814 to Jackson, Mississippi) were cleared for simultaneous departure. The Volaris Airbus A320neo departed from Runway 33L. The United Express jet departed from the parallel Runway 33R, operated by CommuteAir.

ATC instructed the Volaris crew to execute a left turn to a heading of 110 degrees after takeoff. The United Express crew was instructed to turn right to a heading of 340 degrees. This procedure is standard for parallel runway operations to ensure immediate separation.

However, the Volaris crew inexplicably executed an unauthorized right turn. This maneuver placed the Airbus A320neo directly into the flight path of the climbing Embraer E145. Air traffic control recordings, obtained by ABC News, captured the sequence of events.

TCAS Intervention

The collision was prevented by the aircraft's onboard safety system. Both planes received a TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) Resolution Advisory (RA). This automated alert directs pilots to take immediate, specific evasive action. The conflict peaked at a low altitude, approximately 1,200 to 1,300 feet above the ground. The prompt action by both flight crews, following the RA, averted a disaster.

Following the evasive maneuvers, both flights continued safely to their destinations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to launch a formal investigation into the near-miss, which is classified as a serious pilot deviation runway incursion.

Broader Safety Context

This incident adds to a series of recent high-profile close calls across the US aviation system. According to FAA data for the 12 months ending May 31, 2024, there were 1,115 total runway incursions. While this figure represents an improvement from the previous year, the risk remains a top priority for the agency.

Pilot deviation is the most frequent cause of all runway incursions, accounting for 63% of incidents between 2021 and 2024.
The most serious high-risk incursions (Category A/B) dropped sharply to just 7 in 2024, suggesting recent FAA safety efforts are having an effect.

Experts stress that the effectiveness of systems like TCAS is crucial. However, the reliance on the last line of defense highlights a need for better Crew Resource Management and situational awareness in the cockpit. The aviation industry must continue to focus on procedural compliance to maintain the highest safety standards. For more commercial aviation news and analysis, visit flying.flights.