Houston, December 30, 2025
A severe threat was narrowly avoided at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston when a Volaris flight made an incorrect right turn after takeoff, crossing into the path of a United Express plane. Quick alerts from both aircraft’s systems prevented a disaster. The FAA has initiated an investigation to understand the circumstances leading to this alarming event, focusing on the reasons behind the wrong turn and the planes’ proximity at the time of the incident.
Houston
A potential disaster was narrowly averted at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston when a Volaris plane, taking off, reportedly made an incorrect turn directly into the path of a United Express flight. The incident, which occurred in the last 48 hours, has prompted an immediate investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Incident Details
Air traffic control had reportedly instructed the Volaris pilot to execute a left turn after takeoff. However, the aircraft instead made an undirected right turn, placing it on a collision course with the United Express flight path. This critical error triggered alarms on both planes. The prompt alerts helped prevent a direct collision between the two aircraft.
Investigation Underway
The FAA is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the near collision. Details regarding the exact proximity of the planes and the factors contributing to the pilot’s reported wrong turn are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What happened at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)?
- A potential disaster was narrowly averted at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston when a Volaris plane, taking off, reportedly made an incorrect turn directly into the path of a United Express flight.
- Which planes were involved in the near collision?
- A Volaris plane and a United Express flight were involved in the near collision.
- What caused the near collision?
- The Volaris pilot reportedly made an undirected right turn, instead of the instructed left turn, placing it on a collision course with the United Express flight path.
- Who is investigating the incident?
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the near collision.
- When did the incident occur?
- The incident occurred in the last 48 hours.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston |
| Aircraft Involved | Volaris plane and a United Express flight |
| Cause | Volaris pilot reportedly made an incorrect turn (undirected right turn instead of instructed left turn) after takeoff |
| Immediate Impact | Alarms triggered on both planes, helping prevent a direct collision |
| Current Status | The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively investigating the circumstances |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.


