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Near-Collision at Midway Airport Under Investigation by FAA
February 26, 2025
Chicago, IL – February 25, 2025 – A Southwest Airlines flight was forced to abort its landing at Chicago Midway International Airport this morning after a private jet unexpectedly crossed the runway, prompting a close call that is now under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The incident occurred around 8:50 a.m. CST when Southwest Airlines Flight 2504, arriving from Omaha, Nebraska, was on its final approach to runway 31C.
According to air traffic control records, a Flexjet Bombardier Challenger business jet entered the runway without clearance, forcing the Southwest pilots to execute a sudden go-around maneuver to avoid a collision.
Air traffic control had reportedly instructed the Flexjet pilots at least nine times to hold their position, but the private jet proceeded onto the runway, leading to the near-miss.
Flight 2504 safely landed approximately 15 minutes later after circling the airport.
Both aircraft were carrying passengers, but no injuries were reported.
Southwest Airlines released a statement emphasizing that their crew followed proper safety protocols and ensured the flight’s safe completion.
This incident is the latest in a series of aviation safety concerns nationwide, as authorities continue to evaluate runway incursion risks.
The FAA and NTSB have launched investigations to determine the cause of the unauthorized runway crossing and to assess potential safety improvements at Midway Airport.
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