A Southwest Airlines flight and a private jet had a near-miss at Chicago Midway International Airport on Tuesday morning when the smaller aircraft entered the runway without authorization, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The incident, which occurred at approximately 8:50 a.m. local time, is currently under investigation.
Southwest Airlines confirmed that Flight 2504, which was preparing to land at Midway, had to execute a go-around—a standard safety maneuver in which a landing attempt is aborted to prevent a potential collision.
The aircraft ultimately landed safely, and no injuries were reported.
“The flight crew followed standard operating procedures and conducted a safe approach and landing after the go-around,” Southwest Airlines stated.
The airline emphasized that passenger safety remained the top priority for their staff and company.
The FAA has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including why the private jet entered the runway without clearance.
Details about the private aircraft, its operator, and the number of people on board have not yet been released.
Growing Concerns Over Aviation Safety
This close call is the latest in a string of aviation safety incidents that have raised concerns about air traffic management and operational safety in U.S. airspace.
Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating multiple recent incidents, including:
- A midair collision over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that resulted in fatalities.
- A Medevac jet crash in Philadelphia, which is under scrutiny for potential mechanical or operational failures.
- A regional airline crash off the coast of Nome, Alaska, that also led to fatalities.
These incidents have intensified discussions among aviation regulators and industry experts regarding air traffic control protocols, pilot training, and overall aviation safety measures.
The FAA has not indicated whether there is a broader pattern of increased safety risks but continues to emphasize the importance of stringent regulatory oversight.
As investigations into these incidents progress, aviation officials are expected to review current safety procedures and, if necessary, implement stricter regulations to prevent future occurrences.
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