Near-Miss Incident at LAX Involving 

Air France 777 and Gulfstream

At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), a serious runway incursion recently occurred involving an Air France Boeing 777 and a Gulfstream business jet, narrowly avoiding what could have been a tragic collision.

According to preliminary information from aviation authorities, the Air France 777 was accelerating for takeoff on an active runway while the Gulfstream, cleared for departure from an intersecting or parallel taxiway, inadvertently moved into a conflicting position. Air traffic control quickly recognized the developing hazard and issued urgent instructions, prompting the Air France crew to reject the takeoff at high speed.

The Boeing 777, heavily loaded for an international flight, required significant runway distance to decelerate safely. Passengers on board reported feeling a strong application of brakes and hearing the engines spool down abruptly, followed by an anxious silence in the cabin. On the ground, the Gulfstream crew complied with controller instructions to hold position, preventing the aircraft from entering the 777’s path. Early indications suggest a combination of communication breakdown and possible misinterpretation of clearances contributed to the event.

No injuries or damage were reported, but the incident is being treated as a serious safety lapse. The Federal Aviation Administration and relevant international authorities have launched an investigation, reviewing cockpit voice recordings, radar data, and controller transcripts. Both airlines are cooperating fully and emphasizing their commitment to safety. 

The event has renewed attention on runway safety systems, standardized phraseology, and the importance of strict adherence to clearances in complex, high-traffic environments like LAX. While the quick reactions of controllers and flight crews prevented disaster, investigators aim to identify systemic improvements to ensure similar near-misses are avoided in the future.