A potentially dangerous runway incursion at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) forced an Air France (AF) long-haul flight to abort takeoff at high speed, after another aircraft entered the runway without authorization—an incident now under investigation by U.S. aviation authorities.
The event occurred at approximately 6:15 p.m. on April 8, involving Air France Flight 25, a Boeing 777-300ER bound for Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), NBC Los Angeles reported. The aircraft had already begun its takeoff roll from runway 24L when air traffic controllers abruptly canceled its clearance after identifying a conflicting aircraft on the runway .
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Apr 8, 2026 |
| Classification | Incident |
| Airline | Air France |
| Flight Number | AF-25 |
| Departure | Los Angeles, United States |
| Destination | Paris Charles de Gaulle, France |
| Aircraft Registration | F-GZNP |
| Aircraft Type | Boeing 777-300 |
| ICAO Type Designator | B773 |
_(26249541563).jpg){kind=link}
A Gulfstream G650ER Made an Unauthorized Runway Entry
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which recently fined Southwest Airlines (WN) over $300,000 for alcohol and drug testing lapses, the conflict was triggered when a Gulfstream G650ER—having just arrived from San Francisco International Airport (SFO)—crossed the hold short line and entered runway 24L without clearance
AeroInside reported that Af25 had already been “cleared for takeoff and accelerated for takeoff from runway 24” when:
“the crew rejected takeoff at low speed (about 60 knots over ground) after a previously landed Gulfstream went past the hold short line, the runway warning lights turned red alerting the B773 crew of the runway incursion. The B773 slowed safely, vacated the runway and waited for about 10 minutes before taxiing to the hold short line again and departing about 15 minutes after the rejected takeoff. The aircraft reached Paris on schedule.”
Air traffic control audio reviewed in the aftermath indicates that the Gulfstream pilot had been explicitly instructed to hold short of the runway and had acknowledged the instruction, but still proceeded onto the active surface, placing the aircraft directly in the departure path of the Air France jet.
Recordings suggest the pilots reacted within seconds of the warning. Despite the severity of the situation, no injuries were reported.
_(26115950534).jpg){kind=link}
Details of the Aircraft Involved in the Incident
As the situation unfolded, the Air France flight crew received an immediate alert via runway warning systems, prompting a rapid decision to reject the takeoff while the aircraft was still under acceleration .
The Boeing 777 was brought to a safe stop on the runway without incident. The aircraft is 11.1 years old and according to data from planespotters.net, the aircraft was delivered to the French flag carrier in 2015.
The aircraft is powered by two GE90-115B engines and has completed 3,965 flights to date. Initially configured in a “C42W24Y315” layout, the cabin featured 42 Business Class, 24 Premium Economy, and 315 Economy seats until January 2023.
Following its delivery, the aircraft was ferried from Paine Field (PAE) to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) between April 23 and 24, 2015. It remained under a lease agreement from April 2015 through April 2025.
In April 2023, the aircraft underwent a cabin reconfiguration to a denser “C48W48Y273” layout, increasing premium seating capacity. This configuration remained in service until March 2025. A subsequent reconfiguration in July 2025 introduced a four-class layout, “F4C60W44Y204,” adding a First Class cabin alongside expanded Business and Premium Economy sections while reducing overall Economy seating.
AF25 Departed After Delay
Following the incursion, the Air France aircraft vacated the runway and waited briefly before preparing for departure again. The flight ultimately took off with a delay but continued its journey to Paris without further complications .
The Boeing 777-300ER used for the flight is capable of carrying up to 369 passengers .
The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on the apparent failure of the Gulfstream crew to comply with air traffic control instructions.
The event has renewed attention on runway incursions—defined as any unauthorized presence on an active runway—which remain among the most serious hazards in aviation due to their potential to escalate into catastrophic collisions .
Notably, the Air France incident was one of two close calls reported at LAX within hours. Only hours later, a separate close call occurred at LAX involving a Frontier Airlines Airbus A321, where the pilot was forced to brake abruptly to avoid two service vehicles on the runway. No injuries were reported in this event, either.