A Southwest Airlines aircraft had a close call at Chicago Midway International Airport, narrowly avoiding a collision with a business plane on the runway. The close encounter, which might have resulted in a catastrophic crash, has prompted an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) into what happened.
The Near-Collision: What Happened?
According to initial reports, Southwest Airlines commercial airliner was about to depart Midway Airport when a business airplane suddenly cut its path.
- The Southwest pilots activated evasive maneuvers to prevent a collision.
- Air traffic controllers stepped in, advising the two planes of the impending collision.
- The business aircraft supposedly did not have permission to traverse the active runway.
Witnesses and flight tracking information show that the two planes flew very close to each other, with major questions hanging over airport safety and air traffic control protocol.
FAA Initiates Investigation
The FAA has confirmed that it is conducting an investigation into the Midway Airport runway incursion to ascertain:
- Whether the business jet neglected to comply with air traffic control directives.
- Whether there was a breakdown in communication between pilots and air traffic controllers.
- Whether extra safety precautions required to avoid future runway incursions.
FAA officials noted that the aviation sector has witnessed a rise in near-misses, and therefore runway safety was a priority in 2025.
Passengers Respond to the Scare
Passengers on the Southwest flight recounted a harrowing and tense moment when their aircraft narrowly avoided disaster.
- “We were taking off fast when the pilot hit the brakes. We didn’t know what was happening until later,” reported one traveler.
- “It was horrible to think that we were mere seconds from the possible crash,” reported another passenger.
Others praised the quick thinking of the Southwest pilots, who took swift action to avert a disaster.
Rising Concerns Over Runway Safety
This close call at Midway Airport is part of a trend of increasing near-miss incidents across the U.S. air transport system.
- The FAA has documented an increase in runway incursions, and this prompted a re-examination of air traffic control procedures.
- More flights and flight shortages may make increased risks of communication missteps more likely.
- Experts are calling for improved runway surveillance systems and increased pilot training to prevent future near-misses.
What’s Next?
- The FAA will review audio recordings of the flights, air traffic controller radio communications, and pilot reaction to determine the reason for the near crash.
- Southwest Airlines and the business flight company will be compelled to collaborate in the inquiry.
- The FAA might also suggest new runway procedures to make Midway and other airports safer.
The Southwest Airlines near-mishap at Midway Airport underscores the continued issue of runway safety and air traffic control coordination. Though disaster was averted, the accident is a sobering reminder of the greatest need for stringent aviation protocol and the absolute accountability pilots and air traffic controllers have to take in order to ensure passenger safety.
