On February 25, 2025, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 narrowly avoided a collision with a private jet at Chicago Midway International Airport. Flight 2504, arriving from Omaha, Nebraska, was on final approach when a Flexjet Bombardier Challenger 350 unexpectedly entered the runway without authorization. The Southwest pilots executed a go-around maneuver, ascending just 250 feet above the ground to avert disaster .
Air traffic control recordings reveal that the Flexjet pilot was instructed to cross Runway 31L and hold short of Runway 31C. However, the pilot initially misread the instructions, prompting a correction from the controller. Despite acknowledging the corrected directive, the private jet proceeded onto the active runway, leading to the near miss .
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations into the incident. Flexjet stated it is conducting a thorough internal review to uphold its commitment to safety .
This event underscores growing concerns about runway incursions in the U.S., which have seen a troubling increase. Former NTSB Chair Robert Sumwalt emphasized that while multiple safety layers exist, incidents like this highlight vulnerabilities in the system .
Passengers aboard the Southwest flight praised the crew’s calm and professional response. One passenger noted that the pilot maintained composure, making the maneuver seem routine, even though they were unaware of the gravity of the situation until after landing .
As investigations continue, this near miss serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of strict adherence to air traffic control instructions and the need for continual vigilance in aviation safety p
rotocols.