An air traffic controller intervened to prevent confusion when two American Airlines flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport were assigned the same call sign, 2482. One flight, arriving from Chicago, was attempting to land. Simultaneously, another flight with the same call number was departing.
The controller quickly identified the issue and designated the flights as ‘American 2482 departure’ and ‘American 2482 arrival.’ This quick thinking ensured that the planes remained properly separated, allowing both aircraft to land and depart without incident.
The controller, who has 25 years of experience, stated, “I’ve never seen two aircraft pretty much emerge with the same call sign. I’m glad it all worked out there. It could have been disastrous.”
The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating the incident. According to a statement from the administration, they are looking into how the oversight occurred.
An American Airlines representative explained that a different plane at the airport was assigned the same call sign after the arriving flight was delayed. This plane was scheduled to carry passengers to Chicago after landing.
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