A low-speed ground collision at Raleigh-Durham International Airport on January 1, 2026, damaged two Boeing 737 aircraft. An Avelo Airlines Boeing 737-700, identified as N707VL, was being towed from a remote stand when its right wingtip struck the right horizontal stabilizer of a parked Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8, designated N8909L. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as both aircraft were unoccupied at the time of the incident.
The collision occurred in the morning while the Avelo flight was being prepared for an early departure to New Haven. The Southwest aircraft was not scheduled for any flights that day and remained parked. Following the collision, Avelo Airlines cancelled the flight designated XP676, as no other aircraft was available to operate the route. Although Southwest Airlines experienced no material impact on its operations, the incident disrupted Avelo’s schedule and left passengers potentially needing rebooking or compensation.
Details of the Collision
Both aircraft had been parked at remote stands overnight. The Avelo Boeing was being towed to Terminal One when the collision took place. Ground crews were handling the towing of N707VL, which sustained only minor wingtip damage, while the Southwest aircraft sustained more significant harm as its horizontal stabilizer was impacted.
No passengers were on board either plane, which limited the human impact of the incident. Avelo Airlines had another scheduled departure to New Haven later that day, operated by a different Boeing 737-700. However, it is unclear whether affected passengers could be accommodated on that flight due to capacity constraints. Those unable to rebook would be entitled to compensation or arrangements made with partner airlines.
Aftermath and Repairs
As of the latest updates, both aircraft remain grounded while the airlines assess the extent of the damage. Avelo Airlines has a maintenance base at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, which should facilitate a swift repair for its aircraft. The minor nature of the damage suggests that N707VL could return to service relatively quickly.
In contrast, Southwest Airlines does not operate a maintenance facility at Raleigh-Durham. This means that the damage to N8909L will require more extensive repairs, potentially necessitating a ferry flight to a maintenance base or the dispatch of technicians and parts to the location. The incident highlights the logistical challenges that can arise from such collisions.
Overall, the collision contributed to a significant operational impact at the airport, with reports indicating that more than 223 flights were delayed and 46 flights were cancelled due to various reasons, including the aftermath of this incident.
Context of Ground Collisions
Ground collision incidents have become a concerning trend in aviation. In 2025, several notable collisions occurred, including two United Airlines 737-900ERs colliding while pushing back in Houston and a United 737-700 striking a parked 767-300ER in Chicago. These incidents often stem from human error or lapses in situational awareness among ground crews.
The January 1 collision at Raleigh-Durham serves as a reminder of the importance of diligence in ground operations. While no injuries occurred this time, the financial implications for Avelo Airlines and the logistical issues for Southwest Airlines cannot be overlooked. Both airlines will now work to resolve the situation and ensure the safety of their operations moving forward.
