Sunday, May 18th, 2025
On Saturday afternoon at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, two Alaska Airlines Boeing 737s were unexpectedly nervous when they made contact during a ground operation. No injuries were reported, but the mild collisions sparked deeper conversations about the ground safety of aviation, traveller disruptions, and the wider impacts for the US tourism sector, particularly along the busy West Coast routes.
The aircraft, one 737-800 and the other 737-900, was scheduled to depart for its California destinations (Orange County (SNA) and Sacramento (SMF)) when the wingtips were cut off during a pushback operation. Ground Service Tags were piloting both jets at the time.
The incident was labelled “minor” by Alaska Airlines and the Port of Seattle, but is amid a rise in similar accidents, bringing attention to the increased complexity of airport logistics and the impact on tourism flows.
High-traffic airports, high stakes for local tourism
An important West Coast travel hub, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea), is one of the busiest gateways in the United States, serving millions of travelers each year. This is an important launch point for both domestic and international tourism, with strong routes to California, the Pacific Northwest and Asia.
The incident occurred shortly after midday on May 17th, the peak weekend trip. Despite its low severity, disruption at the ocean affects a wide network of connected flights, holiday itineraries and cruise departures linked to the Seattle area.
Both shocked flights were directed towards California, another cornerstone of US domestic tourism. Travelers on board were disembarked and rebooked, not before they experienced delays or schedule changes that could ripple over hotel bookings, car rentals, and previous travel plans.
Ground safety and increased risk of tarmac incidents
Alaska Airlines has confirmed that the ground-handed crew is responsible for piloting the jets when a collision occurs. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause and assess compliance with operational safety protocols.
Such incidents are not uncommon, but they are on the rise. Quoted by industry experts:
Tighter aircraft turnaround time timing increases traffic at key hub slelications in ground coordination via direct control tower communications
At airports like the ocean where simultaneous gate pushbacks and high-density aircraft movements are standard, ground incidents can lead to costly repairs, insurance claims and, most importantly, disruptions in passenger trust.
Reactions from passengers and airport authorities
On both aircraft, passengers remained calm, and crews quickly reassuring the travelers and coordinated a safe return to the terminal. No injuries were reported, but the affected travelers expressed disappointment. Especially those who have a tough connection or are planning weekend holidays.
Kassie McKnight-Xi, a spokesman for the Port of Seattle, described the event as “minor contact” that has not significantly impacted the operation of the airport. However, passengers experienced delays as the aircraft was inspected and alternative flights were placed.
Smooth handling of the situation indicates effective emergency preparation, but emphasizes the need and better coordination for automation between ground teams at large airports.
In a similar case, we are highlighting the trends in ground collisions.
This incident is not quarantined. Following a similar pattern of accidents at major US airports in 2025.
May 6, 2025: Two United Airlines Boeing 777-300ers collided at San Francisco International Airport during pushback work, causing damage and cancellation of trans-Pacific flights to Sydney and Hong Kong. Jalflight had just arrived from Tokyo while Delta aircraft were preparing to depart for Puerto Vallarta. January 10, 2025: We got in touch when two American airlines 737S clipped one aircraft when they cut out a parking plane at Laguardia Airport. O'Hare.
Although each of these events did not include injuries, they all raised operational questions, particularly on how airports manage aircraft movements at the same time during peak times.
Airline trust and impact on local tourism
Alaska Airlines has built a reputation for reliability and customer satisfaction, particularly on its West Coast route. However, published incidents (no casualties) can affect booking patterns in the competitive airline market.
Travelers may begin to question whether high-frequency hubs like the ocean can maintain safety along with efficiency. The Washington and California Tourism Bureaus may also need to monitor the confidence of travelers, particularly as the summer travel season is underway.
The impact of tourism and travel:
Minor aircraft damage can cause rescheduling necrosis of major passengers, which affects local tourism spending due to cancellation or delays.
In areas such as Orange County and Sacramento, which rely on both business and leisure air traffic, consistent flight operations are important to support hotels, attractions and local businesses.
FAA reviews and airport policy adjustments may occur
The FAA investigation examines ground crew training, communications logs, and potential procedural lapses. Experts believe the incident, along with others in 2025, could lead to:
Turmac surveillance systems at busy airports as AI and sensors are increasingly used during brawls and taxi procedures
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which has received several upgrades in recent years, could also look into additional safety investments, including improved lighting, digital tag systems and automated route guidance for ground vehicles.
Alaska Airlines' response and re-booking efforts
Alaska Airlines acted quickly, removed passengers and placed alternative flights with minimal delays. The airline's customer service team worked closely with airport staff to ensure that passenger needs were met.
Alaska's response is consistent with passenger safety and commitment to service, but the incident could still affect public perception in the short term, according to travel industry observers. Transparency, regular updates, and follow-up communication are important to maintaining traveller trust.
The airline has not yet issued a detailed statement as the investigation remains ongoing.
Things travelers should know to move forward
Understanding the potential ground risks is now part of travel preparation, especially for those flying in large-capacity hubs. While safety during flight remains extremely strong, ground collisions have become the focus of the aviation business.
Passengers are encouraged to:
Book flexible tickets during peak season and refrain from extra time for connections through busy airports updated via airline apps or text alerts
Alaska Airlines and the Sea continue to commit to maintaining a safe and efficient travel environment, but as this incident shows, even routine operations are required to be utmost vigilance.
Big picture: Ground safety is the new frontier
Aviation safety has traditionally focused on in-flight systems, but due to the increasing density of airport operations, it focuses on equal ground procedures. With more flights, closer turnaround times and pressure on gate availability, ramp risks are becoming a central issue for both airlines and airport operators.
The Alaska Airlines Incident at the Sea serves as a reminder. Aviation reliability does not begin in the air. It starts from the ground.
Stay connected with Aviation A2Z for aviation accidents, safety reviews, and their broad impact on global travel and tourism.
Highlights of Aviation Tourism Impact:
Two Alaska Airlines 737s collided during a pushback on a plane at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to California. Passengers will safely deplete and re-book and begin investigating the flow of ground treatment procedures between Washington and California, a minor disruption part of the growth trends of US ground collisions at major airports
