Pilots Contact Wrong Tower Before LaGuardia Landing

A communications error involving a regional jet has raised new concerns about air traffic control coordination in the busy New York airspace, after pilots mistakenly contacted the wrong control tower while approaching LaGuardia Airport.

The incident occurred on March 15, when Delta Connection Flight 5752, operated by Republic Airways on behalf of Delta Air Lines, was on final approach to LaGuardia but instead contacted controllers at John F. Kennedy International Airport, located about 10 miles away.

Air traffic control audio reveals confusion as the flight crew requested landing clearance from the wrong tower. A JFK controller responded by asking the aircraft’s position, prompting the pilots to confirm they were on a two-mile final approach to Runway 4 at LaGuardia.

Realizing the mistake, the JFK controller immediately instructed the pilots to switch to the correct frequency. The crew initiated a go-around, a standard safety maneuver, before reestablishing communication with LaGuardia Tower and landing safely without incident.

A spokesperson for Republic Airways confirmed the sequence of events and said the flight followed proper procedures to ensure a safe landing. No injuries or operational issues were reported.

Aviation experts say such communication errors are rare but highlight the complexity of operating in one of the most congested and tightly managed airspaces in the world. Former National Transportation Safety Board chairman Robert Sumwalt noted that landing without proper clearance could have created a serious safety risk.

The incident occurred just one week before the fatal runway collision at LaGuardia involving an Air Canada Express jet and a ground vehicle, which has intensified scrutiny of procedures and coordination at major U.S. airports.

With multiple major airports operating in close proximity—including LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark—aviation authorities continue to emphasize the importance of precise communication, situational awareness, and strict adherence to air traffic control protocols to maintain safety in high-density airspace.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, nypost.com