Delta A350 strikes Air Canada aircraft on LAX tarmac

Delta Air Lines’ Airbus A350-900 operating as Flight 7 struck an Air Canada aircraft while it was being towed on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2026.

The collision occurred as the Delta jet was taxiing toward its departure gate for a scheduled flight to Tokyo. The airline’s left wingtip made contact with the tail area of Air Canada Flight AC785, which had just arrived from Toronto and was being moved to its gate.

Flight 7 was carrying 275 passengers and 15 crew members, while the Air Canada plane was already on the ground with no passengers aboard. Both airlines reported that there were no injuries.

A Delta spokesperson said, "While taxiing at Los Angeles International Airport, a Delta aircraft made contact with an Air Canada aircraft," and added that safety remains the airline’s top priority. Air Canada described the incident as an aircraft operated by another airline making contact with its tail.

Video released by media outlets showed a visible gash on the Delta aircraft’s left wing and damage to the Air Canada jet’s stabilizer. The Air Canada plane has been taken out of service for inspection and repairs, and Delta is assessing the condition of its A350.

The airlines are working to accommodate displaced passengers. Delta said it is evaluating recovery options and will rebook affected travelers on later flights. Air Canada announced that it will cooperate fully with the National Transportation Safety Board, which has opened an investigation into the incident.

This ground collision follows a March 2026 incident in which an Air Canada regional jet collided with a vehicle at LaGuardia Airport, resulting in fatalities. The NTSB will examine whether procedural or communication lapses contributed to the LAX event.

Both airlines expect to have their aircraft back in service once inspections are complete, and the investigation will determine any additional safety recommendations for airport ground operations.