Skimming Disaster: Why Communication in the Sky Is More Important Than Ever

If you've ever buckled up on a plane, taken a deep breath during takeoff, and trusted that the skies are perfectly choreographed—you’re not alone.

Most of us assume air travel is smooth sailing thanks to precision, coordination, and calm professionalism.

But July 2025 has been a wake-up call.

In just a few short weeks, four separate near-collisions investigated by the NTSB took place involving U.S. commercial aircraft. We’re talking seconds away from disaster. Fortunately, no passengers were harmed—but the margin for error was razor thin.

What do all these incidents have in common? A breakdown in communication.

Let’s break down what happened, what went wrong, and why improving communication in the air isn’t just an industry issue—it’s a public safety priority.

The Burbank Dive That Shocked Passengers

First up: a Southwest Airlines flight heading from Burbank, California, to Las Vegas had just gotten up to cruising altitude when it had to dive 500 feet in 30 seconds to avoid another plane flying too close. Flight attendants were injured in the sudden movement. Food, bags, and people got tossed around like a scene out of a disaster movie.

This wasn’t turbulence. It was a desperate maneuver to avoid a mid-air collision.

Passengers described the moment as terrifying. And while the flight landed safely, the emotional impact lingered. The FAA is still investigating what went wrong—but one thing is clear: someone didn’t communicate in time, or clearly enough.

A Shocking Near Miss in Mexico City

Then, there was a Delta flight preparing to take off from Mexico City, heading to Atlanta. Just as the pilots were about to lift off, they spotted something truly alarming—a plane landing directly in front of them on the same runway.

With seconds to spare, they slammed the brakes, aborting the takeoff.

Thanks to sharp instincts and fast reaction, nothing happened. No injuries. No collision. But it was far too close for comfort. And again, all signs point to miscommunication—this time between local air traffic controllers and multiple planes using the same runway.

A B-52 Bomber Comes Too Close for Comfort

In another incident that sounds like a scene from a Hollywood film, a Delta-operated regional jet was descending for landing in North Dakota when a military B-52 bomber crossed its path.

The Delta crew had no idea it was coming. The air traffic control tower never warned them.

The pilot was forced into what’s called an “aggressive go-around”—essentially, aborting the landing and climbing away to avoid a head-on collision. Afterward, crew and passengers described the moment as heart-stopping. The plane landed safely a short time later, but the fact remains: the civilian and military systems weren’t aligned. And once again, communication failed.

Chicago Midway’s Close Call

And then there was Midway Airport in Chicago. A Southwest flight was just about to touch down on a runway when a business jet unexpectedly crossed in front of it. The Southwest crew made a last-second decision to pull up and go around, avoiding a high-speed collision on the ground.

Investigators later found that the business jet had likely misunderstood instructions or failed to confirm clearance to cross the runway. Whatever the case, it was a lapse in communication that nearly turned deadly.

The Bigger Picture: When Communication Breaks Down

So what’s going on here? Why are so many of these near misses happening in such a short window?

It’s tempting to blame individual pilots, tower controllers, or specific airlines. But the truth is more systemic.

These incidents show that our communication systems in aviation—especially between planes and air traffic control—are stretched and strained. Add to that the challenge of coordinating between military and civilian flights, international control towers, outdated protocols, and fatigue, and you’ve got a recipe for potential disaster.

What’s most concerning is that each of these incidents was preventable. If communication had been clearer, quicker, or better confirmed, these close calls might never have happened.

Why Communication Is the True Safety Net

When we think about air safety, we tend to think about sturdy aircraft, smart pilots, and high-tech equipment. And those things absolutely matter. But the real glue holding everything together is communication.

Here’s why:

• Pilots rely on air traffic control for up-to-the-minute directions and alerts. If instructions are misunderstood—or worse, never given—that’s a problem.

• Controllers rely on pilots to confirm clearances and respond quickly. When confirmations don’t happen, or when assumptions are made, things fall apart.

• Multiple agencies (like the military and civilian systems) need to coordinate, especially in shared airspace. A delay or oversight can be catastrophic.

• In the cockpit, pilots and flight attendants must communicate clearly under pressure. That coordination keeps both crew and passengers safe.

Good communication isn’t just a formality—it’s the lifeline that keeps airplanes from colliding, passengers from panicking, and flights from spiraling into chaos.

What Are the Real-World Consequences?

Even when no one gets hurt, the ripple effects of poor communication are real.

• Injuries to crew, like the flight attendants in the Southwest dive

• Emotional trauma for passengers who witnessed or felt a near-miss

• Reputational damage for airlines and aviation authorities

• Flight delays and cancellations following emergency maneuvers

• Costly investigations and regulatory reviews

And the scariest consequence of all? The next time, we might not be so lucky.

How to Fix It: Practical Ways to Improve Aviation Communication

The good news? These incidents are preventable. But it’s going to take effort from everyone in the aviation world.

Here are some steps that can make a real difference:

1. Standardize Communication Across Borders

Different countries and agencies sometimes use slightly different protocols. Standardizing communication procedures globally—especially in shared airspace—is critical.

2. Strengthen Read-Back Procedures

Pilots repeating back instructions helps confirm they heard correctly. This simple step, done consistently, can catch miscommunications before they cause problems.

3. Improve Coordination with Military Flights

Commercial and military aircraft often share skies—but their systems don’t always talk to each other. Joint training, shared protocols, and better tower coordination can help close that gap.

4. Train for Clarity Under Pressure

In high-stress moments, it’s easy to mumble, assume, or freeze. Ongoing training for both pilots and controllers to communicate clearly and confidently in crisis situations is essential.

5. Invest in Staffing and Technology

Controller staffing shortages and aging equipment can both impact communication. Giving aviation professionals the tools and support they need will make the skies safer.

Lessons for Passengers, Too

As passengers, we might not be flying the plane or directing traffic from the tower, but there’s something reassuring in knowing that communication is taken seriously.

When you hear your pilot calmly announce a go-around, or when your crew takes time to explain a delay, that’s communication in action—and it means they’re doing their jobs to keep you safe.

Close Calls Are Warnings, Not Just Headlines

The July 2025 near-misses should make us pause. They should make us ask tough questions. And most of all, they should motivate us to act.

The aviation industry is filled with dedicated, skilled professionals. But even the best training can’t overcome broken communication systems, outdated protocols, or overworked towers.

If we want to prevent a future disaster, we have to treat communication not as a box to check—but as the foundation of flight safety.

Let these close calls serve as a loud, clear message: in the skies, words matter. And we must make sure they’re heard.