A startling video captured a near-collision between a Southwest Airlines flight and a private jet at Chicago Midway International Airport on February 25, 2025.
The incident occurred as Southwest Flight 2504, arriving from Omaha, prepared to land while a private Bombardier Challenger 350 jet was preparing for takeoff.
The two aircraft came dangerously close, but the Southwest flight crew executed a quick go-around maneuver, narrowly avoiding disaster. The footage of this near-miss has raised concerns about safety at busy airports worldwide.
What Happened: A Close Call at Chicago Midway
According to reports, air traffic control had cleared both aircraft for their respective movements, but miscommunication and timing led to the near-crash. As the Southwest flight descended toward the runway, the private jet had not yet vacated the area.
The planes were on a potential collision course when the Southwest crew initiated the go-around, a safety maneuver that involves aborting the landing to climb back into the air. This move ensured the safety of both aircraft, averting what could have been a catastrophic accident.
The video, shared widely online, shows the planes dangerously close to one another. As the Southwest flight regained altitude, the private jet continued its path, narrowly missing an inevitable collision.
The FAA has launched an investigation to determine whether proper protocols were followed and to assess the air traffic control procedures involved.
The Growing Concerns Over Near-Misses
This near-collision is not an isolated incident. In recent years, the aviation industry has been increasingly concerned about the rise in near-misses at busy airports.
In 2023, a similar incident occurred at Los Angeles International Airport, where two commercial planes nearly collided on the runway due to communication errors.
In 2022, a close call at New York’s LaGuardia Airport prompted an investigation into runway safety measures after a commercial jetliner came dangerously close to a smaller plane on the taxiway.
These incidents have sparked discussions among aviation experts, who emphasize the need for stricter safety protocols, improved air traffic control systems, and better communication between pilots and air traffic controllers. While such incidents are rare, they underscore the potential risks in busy airspaces.
What Happens Next?
Following the February 25 incident, Southwest Airlines confirmed that its flight crew followed standard operating procedures, and no injuries were reported. The FAA is investigating the cause of the near-miss and will work to improve safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Aviation experts are urging for increased investment in technology to enhance the detection of potential collisions, especially in congested airspace.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in the aviation industry, especially as air traffic continues to increase globally.
With ongoing investigations into both the Chicago incident and similar near-misses, we can expect more focus on refining safety protocols to ensure these close calls do not escalate into disasters.
