NEW YORK — A Singapore Airlines widebody aircraft collided with a Spirit Airlines jet while both planes were taxiing at Newark Liberty International Airport, prompting a federal investigation and disrupting at least one scheduled flight.
The ground collision occurred on March 2 near Terminal B when Singapore Airlines flight SQ21, operating from Newark Airport (EWR) to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), came into contact with Spirit Airlines flight NK992. The Spirit flight had been preparing to depart from Newark to Orlando International Airport (MCO).
According to reports, the incident involved the wing of the Singapore Airlines aircraft and the tail section of the Spirit Airlines jet during taxiing operations at the airport.
CBS News reported that the collision incident took place near Terminal B of Newark Liberty International Airport.
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew members aboard either aircraft.
Aircraft Involved in the Collision
The Singapore Airlines aircraft involved in the incident is an Airbus A350-900 registered as 9V-SGA. The aircraft is more than seven years old and is powered by two Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engines.
The Spirit Airlines aircraft is an Airbus A321neo registered as N720NK. The aircraft is just over one year old and is powered by two PW1133G-JM engines.
Both aircraft are widely used in modern airline fleets. The Airbus A350 is primarily deployed on long-haul international routes, while the Airbus A321neo is commonly used for high-capacity short- and medium-haul services.
Flight Disruptions Following the Incident
Despite the ground collision, the Singapore Airlines flight was able to continue its scheduled service to Singapore. The route from Newark to Singapore is one of the longest commercial flights in the world, lasting approximately 19 hours.
As per NBC News report, Singapore Airlines continued its 19-hour journey. But Spirit Airlines flight NK992 from Newark to Orlando (MCO) was cancelled.
Passengers scheduled to travel on the Spirit Airlines flight were required to make alternative arrangements following the cancellation.
Airlines and airport operations teams typically conduct inspections following ground incidents to ensure aircraft safety before further operations.
FAA Launches Investigation
Federal authorities have begun examining the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Following the incident, the US aviation watchdog, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), has begun its investigation to find out how this incident happened and how it can be avoided.
Investigators will likely review taxi procedures, aircraft positioning, communications between flight crews and air traffic control, and any available video footage from the airport or passengers.
Ground collisions between aircraft, though relatively rare, can occur during congested taxi operations at major international airports.
Similar Taxiway Incident at Chicago O’Hare
The Newark incident follows another recent ground contact involving commercial aircraft in the United States.
United Airlines confirmed that two of its aircraft made contact while taxiing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on October 17, 2025. The incident caused a short delay, but no injuries were reported.
United Airlines Flight 2652, arriving from Jackson Hole Airport, clipped a stationary United aircraft while approaching its gate. All 113 passengers and five crew members disembarked safely.
Taxiway Contact Between Two United Aircraft at O’Hare
The incident occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time as Flight 2652 was taxiing toward its assigned gate. According to United Airlines, the aircraft’s right wingtip struck the rear stabilizer of a parked United jet.
The arriving aircraft was carrying 113 passengers and five crew members. The second aircraft had no passengers on board at the time of the contact.
Airport operations teams and airline personnel responded immediately. Ground movements in the immediate area were briefly paused to allow for inspection and safety checks. Passengers routinely exited the aircraft once it reached the gate.
United Airlines stated that standard safety protocols were followed and confirmed that no injuries occurred. Both aircraft were removed from service for detailed maintenance inspections before returning to operations.
Passenger Experience and Onboard Response
Passengers on the United Airlines flight described the earlier Chicago incident as minor and initially difficult to notice.
Several travelers reported that they only became aware of the situation after observing increased ground crew activity outside the aircraft.
One passenger noted that there was no obvious jolt or loud noise at the time of impact. The aircraft reached the gate roughly 40 minutes after the incident. Travelers commended the crew for maintaining calm communication and providing timely updates during the delay.
Investigation Ongoing
The Newark airport collision remains under investigation, and additional details are expected as federal regulators review the circumstances surrounding the incident.
This is the developing story, and we are seeking more details. So stay tuned and keep checking back.
