NTSB Chair Warns of Mid-Air Crash Risks at Burbank Airport

Airlines raise concerns about potential collisions, but FAA says it has taken steps to improve safety.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:23pm

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The chair of the National Transportation Safety Board, Jennifer Homendy, expressed concerns over the dangerous possibility of a mid-air collision at Hollywood Burbank Airport. Homendy said commercial airlines have called her to warn that the "next midair is going to be at Burbank" and that the FAA is not paying attention to their concerns. The FAA responded that it has taken steps to improve safety in the area, including lowering the traffic pattern at nearby Van Nuys Airport to reduce conflicts with Burbank arrivals.

Why it matters

Burbank Airport is a busy regional airport located in a densely populated area, raising concerns about the potential for a catastrophic mid-air collision. The NTSB chair's comments highlight ongoing safety issues that need to be addressed to protect both air travelers and residents below.

The details

Homendy made the comments during a hearing as part of the NTSB's investigation into a deadly mid-air crash near Washington D.C. last year involving an Army helicopter and an American Airlines plane. The FAA said it has taken steps to improve safety, including using AI tools to identify high-risk areas and lowering the traffic pattern at Van Nuys Airport to reduce conflicts with Burbank arrivals.

  • The NTSB hearing took place on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
  • The FAA lowered the Van Nuys traffic pattern effective January 5, 2026.

The players

Jennifer Homendy

The chair of the National Transportation Safety Board.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing civil aviation in the United States.

Hollywood Burbank Airport

A regional airport located in Burbank, California that serves the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Van Nuys Airport

A general aviation airport located in Van Nuys, California, near Hollywood Burbank Airport.

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What they’re saying

“Burbank is one where commercial airlines have called me to say the next midair is going to be at Burbank, and nobody at FAA is paying attention to us.”

— Jennifer Homendy, NTSB Chair (abc7.com)

“The FAA acted immediately to improve safety following the tragic midair collision, both at DCA and around the country.”

— FAA (abc7.com)

What’s next

The FAA will continue to monitor the situation at Burbank Airport and surrounding airspace to ensure the safety of all air traffic.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of managing air traffic safety in congested urban areas, and the need for close coordination between regulatory agencies, airports, and airlines to proactively address potential risks of mid-air collisions.