On Dec 18, 2025, A Volaris El Salvador Airbus A320-200N, registration N546VL, operating flight N3-4321 from Houston Intercontinental, Texas, to San Salvador, was involved in a serious runway-departure conflict shortly after takeoff.
The A320 had been cleared for departure from runway 33L with instructions to turn left to heading 110°. However, after initiating the takeoff roll, the crew turned right instead, crossing the departure path of the parallel runway.
At the same time, a United Airlines Express flight operated by CommutAir, an Embraer ERJ-145 (registration N11176) flying UA-4814 from Houston to Jackson, Mississippi, was departing runway 33R. During the initial climb, the ERJ-145 crew reported receiving a TCAS resolution advisory.
ADS-B data later indicated the aircraft came extremely close, with separation reducing to as little as 0.2 nautical miles laterally and near-zero vertical separation at one point. Once clear of conflict, both aircraft continued safely to their destinations without further incident.
The event highlights the critical importance of strict heading compliance during closely spaced parallel runway departures and is expected to draw further scrutiny from aviation safety authorities.
