An alarming incident occurred at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) involving a Southwest Airlines aircraft and a business jet that narrowly avoided a collision on a runway. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that on February 25, 2025, at approximately 08:50 local time, a potentially dangerous situation unfolded. The Southwest aircraft, a Boeing 737-8H4 with registration N8517F operating as flight WN2504 from Omaha (OMA) to Chicago (MDW), was on the verge of landing when a business jet ventured onto the runway without authorization, resulting in a close call.

Footage captured from a live stream shows the tense moment as the Southwest flight was compelled to abruptly abort its landing to avoid a collision with the Flexjet business jet en route to Knoxville. The Southwest plane skillfully executed a go-around maneuver, veering away to circle back for a safe landing, as per data from Flightradar24. Air traffic control audio shared on FlightAware disclosed that the two aircraft were merely 2,050 feet apart during the near-miss incident, as reported by ABC 7 Chicago.

Experts interviewed by ABC 7 Chicago emphasized the gravity of the situation and commended the Southwest pilot's quick decision-making in preventing a potential disaster. Southwest Airlines later issued a statement lauding its crew for adhering to safety protocols and ensuring the safe arrival of the flight at Chicago Midway Airport without any reported injuries. Expressing gratitude for the crew's prompt and decisive actions, the airline reiterated its unwavering commitment to safety.

Following the incident, US Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy disclosed that investigations by the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) had been initiated. Secretary Duffy underscored the critical importance of pilots adhering to air traffic controllers' instructions, warning of potential repercussions for non-compliance.

This alarming event adds to a concerning trend of near-miss incidents in the United States aviation sector. Recent close calls, such as the Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines incident at Nashville International Airport (BNA) in September 2024, the American Eagle and tug tractor collision at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in August 2024, and the highlighted shortage of air traffic controllers leading to increased close calls at airports, as discussed during a hearing by the US Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation subcommittee in late 2023, underscore the critical importance of maintaining utmost vigilance and adherence to safety protocols in aviation operations.