A potentially catastrophic incident unfolded at Chicago Midway International Airport on the morning of February 25, 2025, when Southwest Airlines Flight 2504 narrowly avoided a collision with a private business jet. The Southwest flight, a Boeing 737-800, was on its final approach to Runway 31C when a FlexJet Challenger 350 unexpectedly crossed the runway without authorization. The Southwest pilots executed an emergency go-around maneuver to prevent disaster, a decision that likely averted a major aviation accident.
The flight, originating from Omaha, Nebraska, was preparing to land around 8:50 a.m. CST when air traffic controllers and pilots noticed the private jet taxiing toward the active runway. In a video captured by a bystander and shared on social media, the Southwest aircraft can be seen descending toward the runway before abruptly pulling up at the last moment as the business jet moves into its path. The maneuver allowed the Boeing 737 to safely ascend, avoiding a potential collision by mere seconds.
After circling the airport, the Southwest flight made a successful landing at 9:10 a.m., with all passengers and crew unharmed. The airline issued a statement confirming that its pilots followed standard safety procedures in response to a “possible conflict with another aircraft.” Southwest emphasized that its flight landed “without incident” after the precautionary go-around, underscoring the professionalism and quick decision-making of its flight crew.
FAA Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident to determine what led to the unauthorized runway incursion by the private jet. Initial reports indicate that the Challenger 350, operated by FlexJet, may have entered the active runway without receiving clearance from air traffic control. Investigators will review communications between the private jet’s pilots and the control tower, as well as analyze flight data to understand whether the issue stemmed from pilot error, miscommunication, or a failure in airport coordination.
Runway incursions—when an unauthorized aircraft, vehicle, or person enters an active runway—are one of the most pressing safety concerns in aviation. According to FAA data, there have been more than 1,700 reported runway incursions in the past year, with over 30 classified as serious incidents where collisions were narrowly avoided.
The FAA has been actively addressing such risks, particularly after a series of high-profile near-misses at U.S. airports in recent years. This latest incident at Midway comes amid heightened scrutiny over aviation safety following a deadly midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport last month, which resulted in 67 fatalities.
Passengers and Witnesses React
Passengers aboard the Southwest flight recounted the tense moments leading up to the go-around. Many were unaware of the imminent danger until they felt the sudden acceleration of the aircraft pulling back up into the sky.
“It was a normal landing, and then suddenly, the engines roared, and we were going up again. It was nerve-wracking because we didn’t know why,” one passenger said. “We later found out there was another plane on the runway. I’m just grateful the pilots reacted quickly.”
Another traveler described the experience as a jarring moment, noting that the sudden maneuver caused a brief moment of unease in the cabin. However, passengers commended the professionalism of the flight crew for keeping everyone calm and informed.
Bystanders at the airport also captured the dramatic moment on video, showing how close the aircraft came to touching down before the pilots aborted the landing. The footage, widely circulated on social media, has reignited discussions about the safety of runway operations and the importance of enhanced coordination between air traffic control and pilots.
Industry Experts Weigh In
Aviation safety experts stress that while go-arounds are routine procedures that pilots train for regularly, the frequency of such incidents in the U.S. has raised concerns. “These kinds of runway incursions can be extremely dangerous,” said an aviation analyst. “A Boeing 737-800 needs a significant distance to come to a full stop. If the Southwest pilots hadn’t reacted as fast as they did, we could have had a disaster.”
While commercial airline pilots undergo rigorous training to handle such scenarios, the role of air traffic controllers and private jet operators is equally critical in maintaining airport safety. Some experts have suggested that enhanced monitoring systems, including the use of artificial intelligence to detect and alert pilots to potential runway conflicts, could further reduce the risk of future incursions.
Midway Airport’s Safety Record and Response
Chicago Midway International Airport, a major hub for Southwest Airlines, has had past incidents involving runway incursions, but none have led to significant accidents in recent years. The airport is known for its shorter runways and dense air traffic, making coordination between pilots and air traffic controllers crucial to preventing close calls.
In response to the incident, Midway Airport authorities stated they are fully cooperating with the FAA’s investigation and are reviewing their current safety protocols. “Safety remains our top priority. We are working closely with all parties involved to assess what happened and determine what steps, if any, need to be taken to prevent similar situations in the future,” an airport spokesperson said.
What Comes Next?
The FAA will analyze flight data, pilot communications, and surveillance footage from the airport to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the incident. If the investigation finds that the private jet pilot failed to follow instructions or misheard a clearance directive, regulatory action could follow, potentially including fines, retraining, or even suspension of the pilot’s license.
Southwest Airlines has reassured its customers that it adheres to strict safety protocols and that its pilots acted appropriately in the situation. The airline has confirmed that the aircraft involved in the incident has been inspected and cleared for future flights.
With safety audits currently being conducted across major U.S. airports, aviation regulators are expected to introduce additional measures to minimize the risk of runway incursions. Whether through enhanced communication systems, stricter procedural enforcement, or technological advancements, the goal remains to ensure that incidents like the one at Midway do not escalate into full-fledged disasters.
Passengers on Flight 2504, relieved but shaken, now turn their attention back to their travels, grateful for the swift actions of their flight crew and the safeguards in place that prevented what could have been a tragic accident.
Sources:
- Reuters
- FAA Runway Safety Data
- Southwest Airlines Press Release
- Chicago Midway International Airport
- YouTube Footage
