American Airlines Flight Go-Around at Charlotte Amid Aircraft on Runway

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FORT WORTH- An American Airlines (AA) flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) was forced to abort its landing due to a runway conflict. The aircraft circled for approximately 20 minutes before safely landing.

Flight AA 938 was descending when air traffic control instructed a go-around because another aircraft was still occupying the runway. The incident raised safety concerns but was managed effectively by the flight crew and air traffic controllers.

American Airlines Flight Go-Around

American Airlines (AA) Flight AA 938, traveling from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), was approaching its final descent on Friday afternoon when it received unexpected instructions from air traffic control.

At approximately 1:19 PM, controllers ordered the flight crew to execute a go-around due to a small aircraft still occupying the landing runway.

A go-around is a standard aviation maneuver used when a safe landing is not possible. In this case, the flight pulled up abruptly and remained airborne for an additional 20 minutes before receiving clearance to land safely.

Passengers on board described the event as unsettling, with some recounting the steep ascent and momentary uncertainty.

CNN contributor Lulu Garcia-Navarro, a passenger on the flight, noted on X (formerly Twitter), “We sort of took a very steep ascent. I started praying because I was scared.”

According to data from FlightAware, Flight 938 was in close proximity to the runway before the sudden maneuver. Passengers reported feeling disoriented but relieved once the aircraft safely landed.

One passenger, speaking to Channel 9’s Joe Bruno, described the experience as “pretty crazy,” adding that the most unsettling part was observing the reactions of fellow travelers.

Another passenger remarked, “About 20 minutes of going around in circles, but I will take that over hitting another plane on the runway.”

Despite the abrupt change in course, the flight crew remained composed. One passenger recalled, “I was looking out the window, thinking we were about to touch down in Charlotte, and then, nope.

The pilot calmly announced, ‘Yeah, the runway was supposed to be vacated, but we have to make a change of plan.’ Sounds like a crisis was averted.”

FAA Response and Airline Statement

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) later confirmed the details of the incident, emphasizing that the go-around was a necessary safety procedure to prevent a runway conflict.

In an official statement, American Airlines acknowledged the event, saying, “American Airlines Flight 938 landed safely and normally at Charlotte after air traffic control directed the flight deck crew to initiate a standard go-around.

We thank our crew members for their professionalism and expertise.”

The FAA is expected to review the circumstances surrounding the delayed runway clearance to ensure future operations remain smooth and safe.