A Southwest Airlines flight came dangerously close to colliding with a private jet at Chicago Midway International Airport on Monday, February 25, 2025. The near-miss incident happened when a Flexjet private aircraft mistakenly crossed the runway as the Southwest flight was landing, forcing pilots to execute an emergency maneuver to avoid disaster.
What Happened?
Location: Chicago Midway International Airport
Involved Aircraft:
- Southwest Airlines Flight 2504 – Boeing 737 (arriving from Omaha, Nebraska)
- Flexjet Private Jet – Bombardier Challenger 350
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 was seconds from touching down when a Flexjet Bombardier Challenger 350 crossed the active runway without clearance.
Air Traffic Control Alert:
As the Southwest pilots approached, controllers urgently instructed the Flexjet aircraft to stop, but it continued moving across the runway. Realizing the danger, the Southwest pilots reacted instantly, aborting the landing and ascending sharply to avoid a collision.
Go-Around Maneuver Saves the Flight
The Southwest crew quickly initiated a go-around—a standard aviation maneuver in which a landing attempt is abandoned to prevent an accident. The aircraft climbed back into the sky and safely landed on its second approach minutes later.
FAA and NTSB Launch Investigation
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on potential miscommunication between air traffic controllers and the Flexjet pilots.
Early Reports Suggest:
Possible Pilot Misunderstanding – The private jet pilot may have misunderstood air traffic control instructions to "hold short" of the runway.
Air Traffic Control Review – Investigators are analyzing if controllers gave clear and correct instructions.
Airport Safety Concerns – Midway Airport has shorter runways, making go-around maneuvers especially risky in busy air traffic conditions.
Passenger and Airline Response
Southwest Airlines Statement:
"Safety is our top priority. Our pilots followed standard procedures to ensure a safe landing for everyone on board."
Passengers Describe the Close Call:
Many passengers felt the sudden climb but weren’t aware of the reason until after landing.
One traveler on Flight 2504 shared:
"We were just about to land when suddenly we shot back up into the air. The pilot later told us another plane was on the runway. It’s scary to think how close we were to a crash!"
Recent Near-Misses Raise Aviation Safety Concerns
This Midway Airport incident adds to a series of recent near-collisions in the U.S. aviation system.
Similar Incidents:
- January 2023: A Delta flight at JFK aborted takeoff to avoid an American Airlines plane crossing the runway.
- July 2023: A Southwest flight in San Diego had to swerve after a Cessna mistakenly entered the runway.
- August 2023: An Alaska Airlines flight in Portland barely avoided a FedEx cargo jet landing on the same runway.
Aviation safety experts are calling for stronger measures to prevent runway incursions, including improved pilot training, clearer air traffic control protocols, and enhanced airport surveillance systems.
Thankfully, no passengers or crew members were injured, but the event highlights ongoing safety risks at busy airports like Midway