Japan Airlines Grounded By Ground Collision At JFK, Leading To Flight Delays For Over Three Thousand Passengers And Major Disruptions To Long-Haul International Services: What You Need To Know

Published on December 19, 2025

Japan Airlines is grappling with significant operational disruptions after a ground collision at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on December 14, 2025. Over three thousand passengers have experienced delays as a result of the incident, which involved a Hi Fly Airbus A330 that unintentionally collided with a parked Japan Airlines A350. The collision has affected long-haul international services, particularly flights leaving from or arriving at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, even though no injuries were reported. Numerous travelers have already experienced significant travel disruptions as a result of the incident, despite the fact that maintenance teams are working nonstop to find a solution.

Japan Airlines (JAL) is currently managing significant operational disruptions following a ground collision at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. The incident occurred on December 14, 2025, when a Hi Fly Airbus A330, towed by ground staff, made unintended contact with the left-side cockpit window of a Japan Airlines A350 that was parked for routine maintenance. Fortunately, no passengers or crew were on either aircraft, and no injuries were reported.

This unexpected collision has triggered a series of delays and operational changes across Japan Airlines’ international network. The airline confirmed that a number of its flights departing from or arriving at Haneda Airport in Tokyo are facing significant delays as maintenance teams work on repairs and fleet adjustments.

Impact of the Collision on Japan Airlines Operations

As a result of the collision, Japan Airlines has been forced to ground the affected A350 for repairs. Consequently, 16 flights were impacted, primarily affecting long-haul routes between Haneda and major international hubs, including London, New York, Singapore, Los Angeles, and Dallas-Fort Worth. The airline issued a statement confirming that the disruptions will continue from December 19 to December 22, with further changes expected beyond December 23.

Delays for passengers on these flights are significant, with some routes experiencing delays of up to 15 hours and 55 minutes. A total of 3,144 passengers are estimated to be affected by the disruptions, with efforts underway to minimize the impact on travel plans. The airline has made efforts to provide aircraft substitutions and rebooking options for affected travelers.

Affected Flights and Delays

The published data on flight delays includes multiple routes between Japan and key international destinations. The delayed flights are as follows:

• JL043: Haneda to London
• JL044: London to Haneda
• JL006: Haneda to New York
• JL005: New York to Haneda
• JL037: Haneda to Singapore
• JL036: Singapore to Haneda
• JL016: Haneda to Los Angeles
• JL015: Los Angeles to Haneda
• JL012: Haneda to Dallas Fort Worth
• JL011: Dallas Fort Worth to Haneda

The maximum delay reached 15 hours and 55 minutes, and the total number of delayed flights stood at 16. These delays and disruptions are having a ripple effect across the airline’s schedule, especially for long-haul travelers, requiring proactive communication and coordination with affected passengers.

Passenger Communication and Customer Support

Japan Airlines has expressed its appreciation for the understanding shown by its customers and stakeholders as the airline works to restore normal operations. Passengers have been kept informed of the situation, with updates provided through the airline’s official channels. Arkia Airlines, which operates flights in partnership with Japan Airlines, has already begun rebooking affected passengers on alternative flights, minimizing the impact of the disruption.

Both Japan Airlines and Arkia Airlines are working closely to ensure that operations resume smoothly, and fleet adjustments are made promptly. Once repairs to the A350 are completed, the airline expects to return to stable operations, albeit with some possible delays and disruptions continuing beyond the originally scheduled recovery period.

Ground Collision at JFK: Details and Recovery Efforts

The incident at JFK occurred at approximately 00:40 on December 14, 2025, when a Hi Fly Airbus A330, which was being towed by ground staff, made unintended contact with the Japan Airlines A350. The Japan Airlines aircraft was parked for routine maintenance at the time of the collision. While no injuries were reported and no passengers were on board either aircraft, the collision caused damage to the A350, which necessitated repairs and subsequent operational delays.

Japan Airlines’ maintenance teams immediately began assessing the damage and working on the repairs, but due to the complexity of the issue, delays and operational adjustments have continued to affect the airline’s schedule. While the airline has endeavored to minimize disruptions, it has been clear that the collision will have an extended impact on its international flight operations.

A Similar Incident Earlier This Year

This incident at JFK is not the first time Japan Airlines has experienced operational disruption due to a ground collision. Earlier in 2025, a Japan Airlines Boeing 787-9 collided with a stationary Delta Air Lines Boeing 737-800 at Seattle Tacoma International Airport (SEA). That incident occurred while both aircraft were taxiing, with the Japan Airlines 787-9 making contact with the tail of the stationary Delta 737. While the collision caused some disruption, it was handled promptly by airport authorities, and no injuries were reported.

The impact of such incidents highlights the complexity of ground operations at busy airports and the need for continuous improvements in ground handling procedures to ensure the safety of aircraft, passengers, and crew. Both Japan Airlines and the other airline involved in the Seattle incident cooperated fully with investigations to understand the causes of the incident and to implement corrective measures.

Operational Recovery and Looking Ahead

Japan Airlines continues to monitor the situation and updates its passengers regularly through its official communication channels. The airline’s operational team is working diligently to minimize the impact of the delays and to ensure that alternative arrangements are made for affected passengers. For those who are experiencing longer delays, the airline is offering compensation options, including meal vouchers, accommodation assistance, and rebooking on alternative flights.

As recovery efforts progress, Japan Airlines remains committed to restoring its regular flight schedule. Once the repairs to the A350 are completed, the airline expects its operations to return to normal, with minimal impact on passenger travel. However, as the situation develops, passengers are advised to stay informed and check the airline’s website for the latest updates on flight statuses and potential delays.

The ground collision at JFK has disrupted Japan Airlines’ operations, particularly affecting long-haul international routes between Haneda and major global cities. With up to 15-hour delays on certain flights and over 3,000 passengers affected, the airline is working tirelessly to resolve the situation. While no injuries were reported, the impact of the collision is being felt across multiple international routes, with the airline making significant efforts to minimize further disruption and keep passengers informed.

A ground collision at JFK involving a Hi Fly Airbus A330 and Japan Airlines A350 has caused significant disruptions, leading to delays for over three thousand passengers and affecting long-haul international flights due to ongoing maintenance and fleet adjustments.

As Japan Airlines continues to work with ground handling teams and maintenance crews, passengers are advised to stay in touch with the airline for updates and to explore rebooking options where necessary. With ongoing efforts to resolve the situation, the airline aims to restore its normal operations in the coming days, ensuring that travel plans are less affected for those impacted by this unfortunate incident.