ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — An American Airlines flight approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport executed a go-around, following the guidance of air traffic control to avoid a potential collision with another aircraft taking off from the same runway, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The incident involving American Flight 2246, arriving from Boston, occurred around 8:20 a.m. Tuesday, just hours before a different plane landing at Chicago’s Midway Airport was forced to ascend to avoid an aircraft crossing its path on the runway. Southwest Airlines reported that Flight 2504 from Omaha, Nebraska, landed safely after performing a precautionary go-around due to the presence of another aircraft on the runway. An airline spokesperson confirmed that the crew adhered to safety protocols and the flight concluded without any issues.

American Airlines stated that their flight “landed safely and normally” at National Airport after being instructed by air traffic control to perform a go-around to give another aircraft additional time for takeoff.

The airline emphasized, “American has a no-fault go-around policy, as this maneuver is not unusual in flight operations and can happen almost daily within the National Airspace System. It serves as an essential strategy for both pilots and air traffic controllers to maintain safety and efficiency during flights.”

Aviation specialists noted that such go-arounds are relatively common on commercial flights due to various factors, including inclement weather or unforeseen runway obstructions. When an aircraft is still at a sufficient altitude during its approach, passengers may not even notice a go-around is in progress.

“It probably happens more often than most people realize,” said Robert Joslin, a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s College of Aviation in Daytona Beach, Florida. “It’s not exclusively due to potential collisions.”

According to recent data from the Federal Aviation Administration, nearly four out of every 1,000 arrivals at the nation’s 30 busiest airports required go-arounds during fiscal year 2023. To provide context, the FAA handles around 45,000 flights daily.

Joslin pointed out that pilots are trained to execute go-arounds effectively. When flying in low visibility scenarios, they must prepare for the likelihood of needing to abort an approach. Various reasons can lead to a pilot deciding to divert from landing, including approaching too high or fast or not aligning correctly with the runway. Additionally, another aircraft may be incorrectly taxiing on the runway, or air traffic controllers might mistakenly clear a plane to cross.

“Is it a pilot issue? An air traffic control problem? Weather-related? Wildlife interference? There are many factors involved,” Joslin explained, emphasizing his experience as the former FAA chief scientific and technical adviser for flight deck technology.

In recent weeks, North America witnessed four major aviation incidents. These include a commuter plane crash in Alaska on February 6, which claimed the lives of all 10 individuals on board, and a midair collision on January 26 between an Army helicopter and an American Airlines flight at National Airport, resulting in the deaths of all 67 passengers and crew on both aircraft.

A medical transport jet carrying a child patient, her mother, and four others crashed on January 31 into a Philadelphia neighborhood, leading to the deaths of all onboard and injuring 19 others.

Additionally, 21 people sustained injuries on February 17 when a Delta flight flipped and landed on its roof at Toronto’s Pearson Airport.

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This article has been updated to correct an omitted word in the name of the university where Joslin teaches.