A major tragedy was narrowly avoided at Chicago Midway International Airport when a Southwest Airlines pilot aborted landing to prevent colliding with an unauthorized private jet on the runway. The incident occurred around 8:50 am and is under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board. Video footage shows Southwest Flight 2504 descending when the private jet appeared, prompting the pilot to ascend and avoid a crash, just 50 feet from landing. The private jet, a Bombardier Challenger 350, had been warned multiple times to hold its position. The Southwest flight later landed safely.
Chicago, US:
A significant tragedy was averted in the United States when a Southwest Airlines pilot canceled the plane’s landing just in time to avoid a possible collision with another aircraft on the runway at Chicago Midway International Airport on Tuesday morning. This close encounter occurred as a private jet entered the runway without proper clearance, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The event, which transpired around 8:50 am local time, is currently under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board, as reported by American media outlets.
Video footage of the near-miss incident quickly circulated on social media, showcasing Southwest Flight 2504 making its final descent when a white private jet suddenly appears on the runway.
Kudos to the Southwest Airlines pilots for SAVING THE DAY! Excellent decision to go around at the last moment to avert a collision from a runway incursion. pic.twitter.com/FjzoqIzH73
— Combat Learjet (@Combat_learjet) February 25, 2025
The Southwest Airlines pilot abruptly aborted the landing, climbing back into the sky and accelerating away from the airport. This maneuver successfully prevented a collision with a private aircraft that was preparing to take off from the same runway.
Eventually, the flight landed safely at Chicago’s airport after the flight crew executed a go-around to avert a possible incident, as confirmed by Southwest.
The plane was reportedly just 50 feet from landing on the runway when it had to ascend again. This near-collision occurred because the pilot of the private jet initially misunderstood the instructions from the air traffic controller.
Midway air traffic control had corrected the information and advised the jet’s pilot to hold its position away from center runway 31 at least nine times, but the pilot seemingly disregarded those commands.
The Southwest flight was arriving from Omaha, Nebraska, while the private jet, a Bombardier Challenger 350, was en route to Knoxville, Tennessee, according to FlightRadar24.
This close call on Tuesday follows a series of aviation emergencies in recent weeks, including a midair incident between an Army helicopter and a passenger jet last month that resulted in 67 fatalities.