Delta A330 ordered to go around as Cape Air departs from intersecting runway at Logan

Updated: November 2, 2025

BOSTON - Federal aviation officials confirmed that controllers at Boston Logan International Airport instructed a Delta Air Lines A330 to go around last week after a Cape Air C402 was cleared to depart from an intersecting runway. Go-arounds are a routine safety maneuver, but the situation gained national attention after the Delta and Cape Air pilots described it as “close” and “not cool.”

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, controllers instructed Delta Flight 263 to go around at about 4:14 p.m. Thursday when Cape Air Flight 548 was cleared for takeoff from an intersecting runway. Both aircraft completed their maneuvers safely, and no injuries or damage were reported.

The Delta flight was arriving from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, while Cape Air was departing for Bar Harbor, Maine.

Recordings of radio transmissions captured the brief exchange between the flight crews after the go-around.

“That was close,” the Delta pilot said after climbing away.
“Yeah man, not cool,” the Cape Air pilot replied.

The FAA said controllers issued the go-around to maintain safe separation between aircraft and that the event is under review. The agency did not describe the occurrence as a near miss.

The event drew national attention after coverage by The New York Times, CBS News, and CNN, adding to a wider discussion about runway operations and controller workload following a series of unrelated incidents at U.S. airports this year.

Aviation experts note that Logan’s intersecting runways, compact geography, and variable coastal winds make it one of the most operationally complex airports in the country. While go-arounds are common in commercial aviation, the exchange between the Delta and Cape Air pilots illustrated how quickly conditions can change during busy arrival and departure periods.

The FAA said its review will ensure all procedures were followed.