Investigators Probe Near-Miss at Newark Liberty International Airport Involving Alaska Airlines and FedEx

As of March 20, 2026, federal aviation authorities are investigating a close call at Newark Liberty International Airport after an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 overflew a FedEx Boeing 777 during intersecting-runway operations on Tuesday night. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration have both opened inquiries into the event at the busy New York-area airport.

Agency accounts indicate air traffic control instructed Alaska Airlines Flight 294, a Portland-origin flight, to perform a go-around — aborting its landing and climbing for a new approach — because FedEx Flight 721 from Memphis had been cleared for final approach to a runway that intersects the Alaska flight’s path. Alaska Airlines said the aircraft had been cleared to land and that controllers then issued the go-around; the Boeing 737 carried 171 passengers and six crew members. FedEx stated its Boeing 777 complied with air traffic control instructions and landed safely.

Investigators from the FAA and NTSB will review radar tracks, voice communications and operational procedures to establish the sequence of events and whether procedural changes are warranted. Both carriers provided initial statements describing the controller-issued go-around and the subsequent safe FedEx landing. Officials said federal teams will analyze flight data and communications and may release preliminary findings after their initial review.