Urgent: United Airlines 737-900ER Winglet Collision at Houston’s George Bush Airport Delays Flights to Cleveland and Orlando

Published on November 23, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

A ground collision at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) involving two United Airlines Boeing 737-900ER aircraft has disrupted flights to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) and Orlando International Airport (MCO). The incident, which occurred during routine ground operations, involved the aircraft N69806 operating as UA544 (en route to Cleveland) and N37434 operating as UA2451 (bound for Orlando).

The Incident: What Happened at IAH
At approximately 4:30 p.m. local time, while UA2451 was being pushed back from the gate after arriving from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), the aircraft’s right winglet made contact with the left winglet of UA544, which was preparing to taxi. The impact resulted in the tip of the right winglet of UA2451 being torn off, causing minor damage to both aircraft. Ground crews promptly halted both planes, and the affected aircraft were immediately returned to their gates for further inspection.

Impact on Passengers and Operations
The incident led to delays for both flights, with no injuries reported. Passengers on UA2451 (73 in total) and those aboard UA544 were deplaned safely as a precautionary measure. United Airlines quickly arranged for replacement Boeing 737-900ER aircraft, which led to a delay of about 2-3 hours for both flights. UA544, scheduled to depart for Cleveland, eventually took off at 9:30 p.m. local time, while UA2451, bound for Orlando, departed around 10:30 p.m.

Cause and Investigation: Ground Handling Error
United Airlines launched an internal investigation into the incident, attributing the collision to a separation error by the ground crew during the pushback procedure. The airline is reviewing its ground-handling protocols to ensure such accidents are avoided in the future. Despite the incident being classified as a low-speed ground collision, the event highlights ongoing concerns about safety during ground operations at major airports in the U.S.

A Pattern of Recent Ground Incidents
This incident at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental follows a series of similar ground-related events in the U.S. aviation industry. Notably, a similar ground collision occurred in September 2025 at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), where a United Airlines Boeing 737 also sustained damage during a ground operation. The FAA has not initiated an investigation into either event, as both were classified as low-speed accidents with no significant risk to flight safety.

Aircraft Status: Inspection and Maintenance
Following the collision, one of the affected aircraft underwent inspections and was cleared to return to service. However, the other plane is still undergoing maintenance. United Airlines has reassured passengers that both planes will meet all safety standards before resuming normal operations. The airline continues to prioritize passenger safety and aims to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Conclusion: The Importance of Ground Safety in Aviation
This ground collision serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in airport ground operations. Even minor errors during pushback and taxiing procedures can result in significant disruptions to flight schedules. United Airlines has taken immediate steps to ensure this does not happen again and is working closely with airport ground crews to maintain the highest safety standards. While the incident caused temporary delays for travelers, the swift response by the airline’s ground team and flight crews prevented any serious consequences.

The incident adds to growing concerns about ground operations at major airports across the United States, emphasizing the need for constant vigilance and review of safety protocols to maintain the safety of both passengers and crew during pre-flight operations.

Image: United Airlines