United flight clips another aircraft while taxiing at LaGuardia Airport

Core Points - A United Airlines flight (Flight 580) collided with another United plane (Flight 434) while taxiing at LaGuardia Airport, resulting in damage to the tail of Flight 434 [1][2] - Both aircraft returned to the gate without any reported injuries, and United Airlines worked to re-accommodate passengers [5] - The incident occurred amid broader disruptions at major airports due to air traffic controller staffing shortages linked to the ongoing government shutdown [8] Company Summary - United Flight 580, a Boeing 737 from Chicago, had 166 passengers and 8 crew members on board when it struck a stationary United Flight 434, which was preparing to depart for Houston with 162 passengers and 7 crew members [1][2] - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) clarified that air traffic control is not responsible for movements in the gate area, which remains under the airline's responsibility [9][11] - An investigation into the incident will be conducted by the FAA [12] Industry Summary - The incident highlights ongoing challenges in the aviation industry, particularly related to air traffic controller staffing shortages that have led to significant flight delays, with reported delays increasing from 5% to 53% during the government shutdown [6][8] - The collision underscores the importance of effective ground operations management within airlines, especially during periods of heightened operational stress [8]