Delta Flight Contacts Wrong Tower on Approach to LaGuardia

A Delta Air Lines flight operated by Republic Airways aborted its landing at LaGuardia Airport after the flight crew mistakenly established radio contact with the wrong air traffic control facility. Delta Flight 5752, arriving from Washington Reagan National Airport, was on final approach to LaGuardia when pilots contacted John F. Kennedy International Airport's tower — located approximately 10 miles away — rather than the correct LaGuardia facility, according to reports from Fox Business and CBS News.

Audio published by LiveATC captured the resulting confusion as controllers worked to redirect the aircraft. Once the crew recognized the frequency error, they initiated a go-around, climbing to a safe altitude before reestablishing contact with the correct LaGuardia tower and completing an uneventful landing. The FAA confirmed it is investigating the incident and said no other aircraft were involved.

Broader Safety Context

The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of U.S. aviation safety following a string of reported close-call events. The FAA's probe into Flight 5752 follows other recent incidents involving Delta-branded operations, including an airspace conflict involving a military B-52 in North Dakota and a taxiway collision at LaGuardia. Aviation analysts say the events underscore the critical role of pilot situational awareness as a final safety layer in high-density terminal airspace.