Why Did the FAA Probe a Dangerous Near Miss Between United and American Flights at Chicago O'Hare?

The FAA investigates near miss at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD).

This serious Chicago O'Hare runway incident occurred on January 14, 2026. It involved a United Airlines flight and an American Airlines near miss event. Both commercial aircraft were cleared for takeoff simultaneously. The clearance was given for two intersecting runways clearance.

Key Details of the Incident

This event is formally classified as a runway incursion. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) immediately launched an aviation safety investigation. The probe focuses on a potential air traffic control error. Controllers reportedly cleared both jets for departure at the same time. The investigation will analyze all communication logs and radar data. The goal is to determine the exact cause of the clearance failure. The agency is committed to preventing future runway incursion events.

Context: Chicago O'Hare Operational Safety

Chicago O'Hare is one of the world’s busiest airports. It handles over 900,000 aircraft operations annually. ORD has eight operational runways, the most of any civilian airport. This complex layout requires constant coordination. The O'Hare Modernization Program (OMP) aimed to improve efficiency. It reconfigured outdated intersecting runways into a parallel system. However, some intersecting runways remain for flexibility. The airport is a major hub for both United and American Airlines.

Regulatory Response and Industry Impact

Runway incursions are a top-priority safety risk for the FAA. The agency reported 1,758 total runway incursions in fiscal year 2024. Nine of these were classified as serious Category A or B events. Air traffic control error is a significant contributing factor to high-risk incidents. The FAA has increased its focus on ORD airport operational safety. The investigation findings will likely lead to new procedures. They may also result in additional training for controllers. The industry must maintain constant vigilance. This ensures the safety of all operations involving large jets, including those manufactured by Boeing. The outcome is critical for maintaining public trust. It also ensures the integrity of the National Airspace System. For more commercial aviation news updates, visit flying.flights.

• The FAA's investigation will determine if the incident was an Operational Error.
• Runway incursions, like this near miss, are a top safety priority for the FAA.
• Chicago O'Hare's complex eight-runway layout demands strict operational control.
• The findings will result in new procedures to prevent future intersecting runways clearance errors.