Two planes bump into each other on taxiway at Reagan National Airport, FAA says

ARLINGTON, Va. (DC News Now) — No injuries were reported after two American Airlines planes bumped into each other while on the taxiway at the Reagan National Airport Thursday afternoon, according the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The FAA told DC News Now that the incident happened on the taxiway around 12:45 p.m. on April 10 when the wingtips of the two planes hit each other.

The administration confirmed that one of the planes, Flight 5490, was headed to Charleston International Airport in South Carolina and Flight 4522 was on the way to JFK International Airport in New York.

“American Eagle flight 5490, operated by PSA Airlines, made contact on a DCA taxiway with American Eagle flight 4522, operated by Republic Airways,” American Airlines said in a statement. “Safety is our top priority, and we apologize to our customers for their experience.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority confirmed that no flights were impacted at DCA following the incident.

Congressman Nick LaLota (R-NY) and New York Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) shared in a post on social media that they were together on one of the planes when the incident occurred.

LaLota described the moment in a post on X, stating that serving in Congress has some “once in a lifetime experiences.”

“Like just now while stationary on the runway at DCA, another plane just bumped into our wing. Heading back to the gate, but thankfully everyone is ok!” LaLota wrote.

Meng also took her X account following the incident, adding that she is happy she and her colleagues are OK.

“We are safely waiting on the tarmac, but we may need more snacks,” said Meng. “I’m grateful no one was hurt today, but this incident underscores this urgent need [to] restore all FAA jobs that keep our runways safe.”

The aircrafts were taken out of service to be inspected by the maintenance teams and damage was limited to a winglet on each aircraft, according to American Airlines. Customers will board replacement aircraft to continue their trips. Between the two planes, there were 143 passengers and eight crew members.

The incident remains under investigation by the FAA.

This is a developing story. DC News Now has a crew headed to the scene.