New York — In a startling incident on Wednesday evening, two Delta regional jets made contact on a taxiway at LaGuardia Airport, briefly sending shockwaves of concern through one of the nation’s busiest travel hubs.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the incident occurred just hours ago as the two aircraft were preparing for departure.

Authorities reported that one person sustained minor injuries, though the injury was not life-threatening.

Emergency crews responded immediately, ensuring all passengers were safe and cared for as the situation unfolded. Within minutes, the planes were surrounded by airport personnel and first responders, who worked quickly to secure the area.

While collisions on taxiways are rare, the sight of two aircraft making contact — even at low speeds — is enough to unnerve even the most seasoned travelers. Witnesses described a sudden jolt followed by silence, as passengers looked at one another for reassurance. “We didn’t know what had happened at first,” one passenger recounted. “Then the captain came on and said another jet had clipped us. Everyone was startled, but the crew kept us calm.”

The FAA and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which oversees LaGuardia, confirmed that an investigation is already underway. Early reports indicate that one aircraft’s wingtip struck the rear of another while maneuvering on the taxiway. Both jets were immediately taken out of service for inspection, and crews worked to reroute flights and minimize delays.

For Delta Air Lines, the priority was passenger care. In a statement released shortly after the incident, the airline confirmed the contact between the two regional aircraft and expressed relief that there were no serious injuries. “The safety of our customers and crew is always our top priority,” the statement read. “We are cooperating fully with authorities and conducting a thorough review of the event.”

LaGuardia, known for its tight taxiways and high traffic volume, has experienced close calls in the past, but collisions of this nature remain uncommon. Aviation experts noted that such incidents typically occur during ground maneuvers, where aircraft operate in close proximity and visibility challenges can arise, particularly during peak travel times. “It’s a reminder of just how precise and cautious ground operations need to be at a dense airport like LaGuardia,” said one former FAA investigator.

Passengers from both aircraft were safely deplaned and provided with assistance. Many were rebooked on later flights, while others were offered overnight accommodations. Photos shared on social media showed one jet with visible wing damage, while the second bore markings along its tail section. Despite the tense moments, several passengers praised the professionalism of the flight crews. “They kept us calm, explained what was happening, and made sure everyone was okay,” one traveler wrote.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified and may open an independent review to determine whether procedural or human factors played a role. Both aircraft will undergo full inspections before returning to service.

Meanwhile, operations at LaGuardia continued with some delays as taxiways were cleared. The airport remains one of the busiest in the United States, serving more than 30 million passengers annually, and officials emphasized that safety measures remain robust.

Though no lives were lost and the physical damage was limited, the emotional impact was real. “It’s not something you expect,” said a passenger who had been traveling to Atlanta. “Even a small bump feels huge when you’re sitting on a plane. But we’re thankful it wasn’t worse.”

For many, the incident served as a reminder of the delicate choreography required in modern aviation. From pilots and controllers to ground crews and maintenance teams, the safety of passengers depends on coordination at every level. While this collision raised concerns, it also highlighted the resilience of systems designed to respond quickly when the unexpected happens.