A Frontier Airlines flight bound for Los Angeles International Airport struck a person on a runway during takeoff from Denver International Airport late Friday night, prompting the pilots to abort the departure and triggering a major emergency response, airport officials said.
The incident happened at approximately 11:19 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, as Frontier Flight 4345 was departing from Runway 17L at Denver International Airport. The aircraft, an Airbus A321, reportedly hit a pedestrian who was on the active runway during the takeoff roll.
According to a statement from Denver International Airport, the aircraft reported striking a pedestrian during takeoff. Airport officials said a brief engine fire followed the impact and was quickly extinguished by the Denver Fire Department.
The pilots aborted the takeoff after the collision. Frontier Airlines said smoke was reported in the cabin, and passengers were evacuated using emergency slides as a precaution. Emergency crews then bused passengers from the runway back to the terminal.
There were 231 people on board, including 224 passengers and seven crew members, according to Frontier Airlines and airport statements. Officials have not released detailed information about injuries aboard the aircraft.
Authorities have not yet publicly released the identity of the person on the runway or explained how the individual came to be on an active departure runway. The person’s condition has also not been officially disclosed by Denver International Airport or Frontier Airlines, according to early official statements.
The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified, and an investigation is underway. Runway 17L will remain closed while investigators examine the scene, review the aircraft, and determine the sequence of events that led to the collision.
Frontier Airlines said it is working with airport and safety authorities as the investigation continues. The incident raises urgent questions about runway security, airfield access, and how a person was able to enter or remain on an active runway during a scheduled passenger flight departure.
