Writer

Amy Wilder

The FAA is investigating a runway incursion at Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX) after air traffic controllers canceled takeoff clearance for an Air France flight when a business jet entered the runway without authorization.
The April 8 incident involving Air France Flight 25 occurred around 6:15 p.m. local time as the Boeing 777-328ER accelerated for departure to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (LFPG), according to <a href="https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/air-france-jet-aborts-takeoff-at-lax-after-another-aircraft-enters-runway/3874619/">NBC Los Angeles</a>. A Gulfstream G650ER that had just landed crossed Runway 24L, placing the business jet directly in the path of the departing Air France aircraft.
Air traffic controllers had instructed the Gulfstream pilot to hold short of Runway 24L after landing, and the pilot acknowledged the instruction, according to ATC recordings. However, the business jet proceeded to cross the line.
Runway warning lights alerted the Air France crew to the incursion, and the pilots immediately rejected the takeoff, according to NBC4. Controllers canceled the takeoff clearance after the Gulfstream crossed onto the runway. The Air France crew brought the aircraft to a safe stop, held position for approximately 10 minutes, then departed successfully with a slight delay. No injuries were reported.
Hours after this incident, a Frontier Airlines Airbus A321 was forced to abort its takeoff at KLAX when service vehicles entered the runway area. No injuries were reported, and the FAA is also investigating that incident.&nbsp;
The back-to-back incidents at one of the nation’s busiest airports come amid heightened scrutiny of runway safety following a fatal collision at <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aerospace/2026-03-31/asde-x-failed-alert-laguardia-runway-collision">New York’s LaGuardia Airport on March 22</a>. An Air Canada Express CRJ-900 struck an aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle during landing, killing both pilots and injuring dozens of passengers and firefighters.
According to <a href="https://www.faa.gov/airports/runway_safety/statistics">FAA data</a>, U.S. runway incursions have hovered around 1,700 annually for the past six years. While most incidents fall under Category C or D—where there is ample time to avoid collision or no immediate safety impact—a growing number of Category A and B events, where collision was narrowly avoided or risked, have captured national attention.
The <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2025-04-01/us-runway-incursions-drive-new-safety-push">FAA has deployed tools</a>, including the Surface Awareness Initiative, which offers real-time situational awareness to controllers at busy airports. Manufacturers such as Garmin, Honeywell, and Collins Aerospace have also introduced enhanced cockpit-based surface alert systems that issue real-time warnings to pilots of potential conflicts during taxi and takeoff operations.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Air France Boeing 777 Aborts Takeoff after Gulfstream Crosses LAX Runway

 Runway lights reportedly alerted pilots before ATC canceled takeoff clearance

The FAA is investigating after a business jet crossed into an Air France 777’s path during takeoff at LAX, forcing the crew to reject departure on April 8.

Bizjet Incursion Triggers Air France Rejected Takeoff

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Analysis based on operator submissions during 2025

Crew Recency Tops Flight Risk List in Nimbl Report

Kerry Lynch

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Jan. 29, 2025 midair at KDCA has led the Lilleys on safety quest

Lilleys See Safety Bill Progress, Need for Further Action

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Organization is expanding partnerships, forming working groups such as one on ground incidents

ACSF Expanding Horizons, Diving into Data

FAA wants to assess maturity rather than prescribe design of SMS programs

FAA Eyes Collaboration Toward Enhancing SMS

Safety culture comes into focus

ACSF Safety Summit Opens with Tackling Daily Challenges

Graham has served on the board since 2020 and was renominated for a term extending through 2030

White House Appoints Michael Graham as NTSB Vice Chair

Matt Thurber

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

More In Safety

Crew Recency Tops Flight Risk List in Nimbl Report

Analysis based on operator submissions during 2025

Lilleys See Safety Bill Progress, Need for Further Action

Jan. 29, 2025 midair at KDCA has led the Lilleys on safety quest

ACSF Expanding Horizons, Diving into Data

Organization is expanding partnerships, forming working groups such as one on ground incidents

FAA Eyes Collaboration Toward Enhancing SMS

FAA wants to assess maturity rather than prescribe design of SMS programs

ACSF Safety Summit Opens with Tackling Daily Challenges

Safety culture comes into focus

White House Appoints Michael Graham as NTSB Vice Chair

Graham has served on the board since 2020 and was renominated for a term extending through 2030

AINsight: Watch Out Below the Minimum Descent Altitude

LNAV+V advisory glide paths can be helpful but do not guarantee obstacle clearance

Lithium-ion Battery Fires: Understanding Risks and Containment

On average, two lithium-ion battery thermal runaway events occur every week, mostly while aircraft are in cruise

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN