SFO Air Traffic Controller Clears Two United Planes For Simultaneous Takeoff

The controller then denied the incident, despite the pilots' accounts.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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In a dangerous incident at San Francisco International Airport, an air traffic controller accidentally cleared two United Airlines planes, a Boeing 777 and a Boeing 737 MAX, for takeoff on parallel runways around the same time. The controller later denied that this had happened, despite the pilots' accounts of the event.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the critical role of air traffic control in ensuring aviation safety, as well as the potential consequences of human error. It raises questions about the reliability of the air traffic control system and the need for improved automation and oversight to prevent such close calls.

The details

The incident occurred shortly after midnight on January 24, 2026. United flight UA2621, a Boeing 777-200ER bound for Houston, was cleared for takeoff on runway 1R. Moments later, United flight UA2312, a Boeing 737 MAX bound for San Jose, was cleared to line up and wait on the parallel runway 1L. Around 30 seconds later, the 737 was also cleared for takeoff. This resulted in the two planes starting their takeoff rolls around the same time, putting them in dangerously close proximity. The air traffic controller later claimed to have no knowledge of how the second plane was cleared for takeoff, despite being the one who had given the clearance.

  • The incident occurred shortly after midnight on January 24, 2026.
  • The Boeing 777 was cleared for takeoff on runway 1R.
  • Moments later, the Boeing 737 was cleared to line up and wait on parallel runway 1L.
  • Around 30 seconds later, the Boeing 737 was cleared for takeoff.

The players

United flight UA2621

A Boeing 777-200ER aircraft scheduled to operate a flight to Houston (IAH).

United flight UA2312

A Boeing 737 MAX aircraft scheduled to operate a flight to San Jose (SJO).

SFO Air Traffic Controller

The air traffic controller who cleared the two United planes for simultaneous takeoff and then denied the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, I don't know how you guys both got takeoff clearances, but that did not happen.”

— SFO Air Traffic Controller

“The tower said there was an issue with the departure, and you rolled and another one rolled right behind you, so you got to get separation.”

— SFO Air Traffic Controller

“Okay, no problem it's just that he sounded a bit alert, that's all.”

— United flight UA2621 Pilot

What’s next

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to investigate the incident and review the air traffic controller's actions and the procedures in place at SFO to prevent such close calls from occurring.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the critical importance of air traffic control in maintaining aviation safety and the need for robust systems and procedures to prevent human errors from leading to potentially catastrophic outcomes. It underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the air traffic control system and the need for continued improvements in automation, oversight, and training to ensure the highest levels of safety.