A low-speed ground collision involving two Boeing 737 aircraft occurred on January 1, 2026, at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. An Avelo Airlines Boeing 737-700, while being towed, struck a parked Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8. The incident resulted in damage to both planes, prompting a temporary grounding of operations.
The Avelo aircraft, identified as N707VL, was being prepared for its scheduled departure to New Haven when its right wingtip made contact with the right horizontal stabilizer of the Southwest jet, N8909L. Fortunately, there were no passengers or crew on either aircraft at the time of the collision, and thus no injuries were reported.
Both planes had been parked at remote stands overnight. The Avelo flight, designated as XP676, was ultimately cancelled due to the incident, as no alternative aircraft were available for the early morning service. Passengers affected by the cancellation may have been eligible for compensation or rebooking options, potentially on partner airlines.
Southwest Airlines experienced minimal disruption from the collision, as the affected aircraft was not scheduled for any flights that day. The company, which does not maintain a station at Raleigh-Durham, is now assessing the damage to its aircraft. Repairs to the Avelo plane are expected to be straightforward, given that Raleigh-Durham serves as a maintenance base for Avelo, allowing for quicker turnaround.
Damage Assessment and Operational Impact
While both aircraft are currently grounded, preliminary reports suggest that the damage to the Avelo 737’s wingtip is relatively minor. This suggests that it could return to service promptly once repairs are completed. In contrast, the Southwest 737 MAX 8 sustained more significant damage, particularly to its horizontal stabilizer, which will require substantial repairs.
Southwest Airlines has options to address the damage, either by transporting the aircraft to a maintenance facility or by sending technicians and parts to perform repairs on-site. The company’s decision will depend on the extent of the damage and operational considerations.
As of now, more than 223 flights have been delayed across the airport, with 46 cancellations reported, highlighting the broader impact of this incident on air travel that day.
A Pattern of Ground Collisions
The January 1 incident at Raleigh-Durham is part of a concerning trend in aviation safety. Throughout 2025, several ground collisions were recorded, including notable incidents involving United Airlines and Delta Connection. Some of these collisions were attributed to pilot or air traffic controller errors, while others, like the one at Raleigh-Durham, may stem from lapses in ground crew diligence.
Although no injuries occurred during the recent collision, the damage to both aircraft will necessitate costly repairs and operational adjustments for both airlines involved. The incident underscores the importance of safety protocols in preventing ground collisions and ensuring the well-being of all personnel involved.
As investigations continue, both Avelo Airlines and Southwest Airlines are focused on damage assessment and recovery strategies to return their operations to normal as swiftly as possible.
