Large Transport
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 256
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Human Factors; Aircraft; Procedure
We were on downwind at 3000 feet when ATC cleared us for the Visual Approach. We replied ''Aircraft X cleared for the Visual 13L.' ATC then came back and said 'Aircraft X; are you still at 3000 feet'? We said 'No; you cleared us for the visual.' She said 'that was for Aircraft Y'. Well; I heard Aircraft X; my First Officer heard Aircraft X; and Aircraft Y didn't respond when ATC cleared us for the approach! So ATC said 'I'm sorry for the confusion; Aircraft Y is cleared for the visual.' Right after that ATC RECLEARED us for the Visual Approach behind Company aircraft. ATC again apologized and we made an uneventful landing.
Air carrier flight crew reported ATC issued a clearance for the Visual Approach but then indicated it was intended for an aircraft with similar callsign.