Ground operations at Raleigh-Durham International Airport came to an unexpected halt after a business jet and a box truck collided on a taxiway Wednesday afternoon, triggering a temporary airfield closure and causing widespread flight disruptions.
The collision occurred on the airport’s taxiway when a Nicholas Air business jet and a box truck made contact. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported to the truck driver or the two people aboard the aircraft. Photos taken afterward showed noticeable damage to the front section of the jet.
The incident forced RDU to temporarily suspend airfield operations while emergency crews responded. The airport reopened around 2:30 p.m., but the disruption had already created a ripple effect across the flight schedule. More than 15 arriving flights were delayed or diverted, leaving passengers stranded and travel plans disrupted.
One international flight to Germany departed approximately three hours behind schedule, while another passenger’s flight was diverted to Greensboro, leaving family members anxiously waiting for updates. Airport officials later resumed normal operations, but delays continued throughout the afternoon.
Aviation experts note that aircraft always have the right of way on taxiways, but business jets can have significant blind spots that make it difficult for pilots to see ground vehicles approaching from certain angles. The exact circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation.
Adding to the busy afternoon, an unrelated incoming aircraft also reported a potential mechanical issue around the same time, though it landed safely without incident.
The business jet involved is reportedly operated by Nicholas Air, a private aviation company. The company declined to comment on the incident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation to determine what caused the taxiway collision.
Thankfully, no one was hurt—but the incident serves as another reminder of how even ground operations at busy airports require precise coordination to keep passengers, crews, and aircraft safe.
