LATAM A320 aborts takeoff at São Paulo as American and Delta jets cross runway amid fog

A LATAM Airlines Airbus A320 flight scheduled to depart São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) on August 15 had to abort its takeoff when conflicting taxiing traffic crossed its runway. Despite being informed that its takeoff clearance was revoked, the LATAM crew began accelerating on runway 10L. Air traffic controllers urgently reiterated the cancellation, prompting the aircraft to abort the takeoff safely. This prevented a potentially severe incident involving two widebody jets from American Airlines and Delta Air Lines crossing the same runway.

The incident occurred in low visibility conditions as dense fog engulfed the runway early that Saturday morning. Flight data reveals LATAM flight LA8019 was departing for Mendoza, Argentina, with an official departure time of 8:00 AM local. However, delays stemming from the aborted takeoff pushed the actual departure to 8:46 AM, resulting in a 46-minute delay.

The sequence of events began with the LATAM A320 cleared for takeoff on runway 10L. Shortly thereafter, that clearance was revoked to allow two inbound widebodies—an American Airlines Boeing 787-8 from Miami and a Delta Air Lines Airbus A330-900 from New York—to cross 10L on their way to gates after landing on adjacent runway 10R. Though the LATAM pilots acknowledged the takeoff cancellation, they initiated their roll anyway and reached approximately 70 knots (129 km/h) before being ordered to abort.

Air traffic control’s quick response was critical in avoiding a runway incursion. Controllers repeated the cancellation order, which LATAM complied with, halting the takeoff safely. Subsequent communication between ATC and the LATAM flight crew was reportedly strict, as the pilots received a rebuke for attempting the takeoff despite clear instructions.

After stopping, the LATAM A320 held its position until cleared to taxi off the runway. It then rejoined the departure queue and took off on the second attempt. The flight made partial recovery during the climb and transit phases, arriving in Mendoza 32 minutes behind schedule, having flown approximately 3 hours 46 minutes against a block time of four hours.

The two widebody aircraft involved in crossing the runway had recently landed within minutes of each other, with the American Boeing 787-8 touching down at 8:18 AM and the Delta A330-900 at 8:22 AM. These arrivals underscore the busy operational environment at São Paulo with multiple large aircraft movements occurring simultaneously, particularly under challenging weather conditions.

Current investigations into the incident have been initiated by Brazil’s Aeronautical Accidents Investigation and Prevention Center (CENIPA), which is analyzing data relating to the near-miss. The event echoes concerns about runway incursions that historically have led to accidents, notably the 1977 Tenerife disaster where fog and miscommunications played tragic roles.

LATAM Airlines has confirmed its cooperation with authorities, emphasizing that the aborted takeoff was carried out safely after ATC intervention. The airline and air force agencies are examining procedural adherence to prevent any recurrence in São Paulo’s complex and high-traffic airport operations.

This episode highlights the operational challenges faced by controllers and flight crews when managing dense fog conditions alongside busy runway crossings at major international hubs. Effective communication and strict adherence to ATC instructions remain central to preventing runway incursions, especially as traffic levels grow on intersecting runways.