Delta Jet Evades B-52 Near Minot Airport

A Delta Connection Embraer E175 regional jet operated by SkyWest narrowly avoided a mid-air collision with a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber near Minot, North Dakota, on July 18, 2025. The incident occurred during the jet's final approach to Minot International Airport, with some passengers on the right side able to see the bomber as the pilot performed an aggressive evasive maneuver. The pilot later explained to passengers that conflicting air traffic control instructions and a lack of radar notification contributed to the near miss, and expressed confusion over why the Air Force base did not provide a warning despite having radar capabilities. The flight landed safely with no injuries after circling the airport, and the pilot apologized, stressing the rarity of such events. The incident is under investigation by SkyWest, and the FAA is gathering information, noting that the control tower involved was not FAA-operated. The Air Force has not commented on the presence of the B-52 in the airspace at the time.