On 7 December 2025, an Airprox occurred involving a B737 and an ATR72 in controlled airspace near Leeds/Bradford Airport. Both aircraft were operating under IFR and in receipt of radar control services when separation was reduced below the required standard.
The incident developed when the B737, on final approach in poor and gusty weather, initiated a go-around after an unstable approach. At the same time, an ATR72 was departing from the same runway and climbing out. The B737 had been issued a revised missed-approach instruction to climb straight ahead to 4000ft, while the ATR72 had already been transferred to Scottish Control shortly after departure.
As both aircraft climbed on similar tracks, separation began to erode. Air Traffic Control instructed the B737 to turn right onto a northerly heading to avoid the departing traffic. However, due to high cockpit workload associated with the go-around in challenging weather, the crew did not immediately comply with the turn instruction.
The closest point of approach occurred at 1746:39, with recorded separation reducing to 3.1NM and 300ft, below the required standard of 5NM or 1000ft. Separation was subsequently restored as the B737 turned away.
Investigators identified several contributory factors, including the early transfer of the ATR72 to another control sector, reduced spacing due to strong tailwinds, incomplete effectiveness of conflict resolution, and high crew workload during the go-around. The absence of more explicit “avoiding action” phraseology may also have delayed the B737’s response.
Photo Source: Lord of the Wings© Wikimedia, Creative Commons 2.0
Photo Source: Ronnie Robertson, Wikimedia, Creative Commons 2.0