Southwest Airlines Plane Dodges Collision at Midway Airport

Near-Miss Incident at Chicago Midway Airport: Southwest Airlines and Business Jet Avoid Collision

A recent near-miss incident at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) has raised alarms in the aviation community. On February 25, 2025, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-8H4, operating flight WN2504 from Omaha to Chicago, narrowly avoided a collision with a business jet that entered the runway without authorization. This close call has prompted an investigation by aviation authorities and highlights ongoing concerns about safety protocols in busy airspaces.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the incident occurred around 08:50 local time. Live stream footage from AeroTime captured the critical moment when the Southwest flight was preparing to land and had to execute a go-around maneuver to avoid a collision with the Flexjet business jet that had taxied directly in front of it. The Flexjet aircraft was reportedly en route to Knoxville from Ohio.

Key Details of the Incident

• Aircraft Involved:

  • Southwest Airlines: Boeing 737-8H4 (Registration: N8517F)
  • Flexjet: Business Jet (Flight LXJ560)

• Timeline:

  • Incident occurred on February 25, 2025, at 08:50 local time.
  • Southwest flight was performing a go-around to avoid a collision.
• Proximity:
  • The two aircraft were separated by only 2,050 feet, as confirmed by audio from air traffic control.

Safety Responses and Investigations

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the Southwest crew managed to land safely after the maneuver. In a statement, Southwest Airlines praised its crew for their quick thinking and adherence to safety procedures during the tense situation. “The crew’s quick thinking and professionalism exemplify our unwavering focus on safety,” the airline stated.

In response to the incident, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy indicated that the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated an investigation. He emphasized the importance of pilots following air traffic control instructions to maintain safety in the skies.

The Bigger Picture: A Rise in Near-Miss Incidents

This incident at Chicago Midway is part of a concerning trend of near-miss occurrences in U.S. aviation. For instance, on September 12, 2024, an Alaska Airlines flight nearly collided with a Southwest Airlines jet at Nashville International Airport (BNA). Additionally, in August 2024, an American Eagle aircraft collided with a tug tractor at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).

A recent hearing by the U.S. Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation subcommittee pointed to a shortage of air traffic controllers as a significant factor contributing to the rise in close calls at airports nationwide.

Conclusion: Ensuring Aviation Safety

As investigations continue, it is crucial for the aviation industry to address these safety concerns and implement measures to prevent future incidents. The recent near-miss at Chicago Midway underscores the importance of strict adherence to air traffic regulations.

For more insights into aviation safety and recent incidents, consider reading this article on rising close calls or explore the implications of air traffic controller shortages here.

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