Southwest Jet in Near Miss at Chicago Midway

A Southwest Airlines jet narrowly escaped disaster during a landing attempt at Chicago Midway Airport when it nearly collided with a private plane crossing the runway. Pilots of Flight 2504 executed a swift go-around maneuver to avoid the smaller aircraft which had reportedly entered the runway without clearance from air traffic control. The heart-stopping moment captured on video underscores ongoing concerns about runway safety at one of the nation’s busiest airports.

The incident occurred as the Southwest plane approached the runway just before 9 a.m. Video evidence shows the jet descending close to the ground before abruptly pulling up as the private plane identified as a Flexjet crossed its path. Air traffic control audio reveals confusion with the Flexjet pilot allegedly misunderstanding instructions to hold short of the runway.

Southwest Airlines confirmed the crew followed standard safety procedures resulting in a safe landing shortly after the go-around. The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the near miss focusing on why the private jet entered the runway without authorization. Flexjet officials stated they are conducting their own review while emphasizing their commitment to safety standards.

Experts note this event adds to a troubling string of aviation close calls in recent weeks raising questions about air traffic control staffing and communication protocols. Former investigators point out that while serious runway incursions dropped to seven in 2024 from 22 the previous year such incidents remain a critical concern. The quick reaction of the Southwest pilots averted what could have been a catastrophic collision highlighting the importance of crew vigilance.

Passengers on Flight 2504 en route from Omaha to Chicago likely felt the tension as the plane climbed back to 3000 feet before circling for a second landing attempt. Audio recordings capture the pilot questioning air traffic control with a pointed “How’d that happen?” after the sudden maneuver. No injuries were reported and the airline praised the crew’s professionalism in handling the unexpected challenge.

The Midway incident follows other high-profile aviation mishaps including a deadly midair collision near Reagan National Airport last month that claimed dozens of lives. Safety advocates argue these events signal a need for stronger oversight and possibly updated technology to prevent runway incursions. Critics of current FAA policies suggest budget cuts and staffing shortages may be undermining safety at key airports like Midway known for its tight layout and heavy traffic.

Lawmakers are already calling for hearings to address the uptick in near misses and crashes with some pointing to broader systemic issues in air travel regulation. While the FAA insists the system worked as designed in this case with the Southwest pilot reacting appropriately the public’s confidence may still waver. The investigation’s findings expected in the coming weeks could push for reforms to ensure such heart-pounding moments remain rare.

For now Chicago Midway resumes normal operations but the close call serves as a stark reminder of the razor-thin margins in aviation safety. Travelers can expect heightened scrutiny of runway procedures at Midway and beyond as regulators and airlines work to reassure a jittery public. The professionalism of the Southwest crew stands out as a silver lining in an otherwise alarming episode that could have ended far worse.