Chicago, IL – A dramatic and alarming near-miss incident unfolded at Chicago’s Midway International Airport (MDW) on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, when Southwest Airlines Flight WN2504 narrowly avoided a catastrophic collision with a FlexJet private jet on Runway 31C. The incident, captured on a live airport webcam and shared widely on social media, has reignited concerns about runway safety and aviation protocols in the United States.
According to reports from Airways Magazine and confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the incident occurred around 8:48 AM CST (14:48 UTC). Southwest Flight WN2504, a Boeing 737-800 en route from Omaha, Nebraska, was in the process of landing when FlexJet Flight LXJ560, a Challenger 350, crossed the runway without authorization. In a critical maneuver, the Southwest pilots executed a “go-around,” aborting the landing and pulling the aircraft back into the air to avoid a potential disaster. The Southwest jet safely landed shortly afterward, with no injuries reported.
The shocking moment was captured in real-time by a webcam hosted at the airport, showing the Southwest Boeing 737 descending toward the runway as the smaller FlexJet jet crossed its path. The image, timestamped at 8:48 AM CST, has since gone viral, drawing widespread attention from aviation enthusiasts, safety experts, and the general public on platforms like X.
A Serious Breach of Safety Protocols
The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident, focusing on runway safety, air traffic control (ATC) communication, and the actions of the FlexJet crew. Initial reports suggest that the private jet entered Runway 31C without clearance, creating a dangerous conflict with the incoming Southwest flight. This type of incident, known as a runway incursion, is a leading cause of aviation accidents globally, and the near-miss at Midway has raised fresh questions about the effectiveness of current safety measures at busy U.S. airports.
Southwest Airlines released a statement confirming the event, emphasizing that the crew followed established safety procedures during the go-around. “Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our Customers and Employees,” the airline said. FlexJet, for its part, acknowledged the incident and stated it was “working to gather more information” on the situation but did not provide further details.
Public Reaction and Expert Analysis
The incident quickly became a trending topic on X, with users expressing shock and concern. Posts from accounts like @AirwaysMagazine, @Breaking911, and @CollinRugg highlighted the gravity of the situation, with some pointing fingers at air traffic control or the FlexJet pilots. One user, @HotchE, wrote, “ATC is out of control,” while another, @BillyLaunders, praised the Southwest pilots, saying, “That pilot was on top of their game!! Touched, re-assessed, and back up.”
Aviation experts note that Midway Airport, known as the “World’s Busiest Square Mile” due to its high volume of operations, has a complex runway and taxiway configuration that can pose challenges for pilots and controllers. According to a 2011 FAA notice cited in web reports, many runway incursions at Midway involve transient pilots unfamiliar with the airport’s layout. The airport’s close proximity of parallel runways and unique taxiway angles have long been flagged as potential hazards.
Hani Mahmassani, a transportation and engineering professor at Northwestern University, told NBC Chicago that the incident underscores ongoing concerns about aviation safety, especially following a series of high-profile crashes and near-misses in 2025. “This is a wake-up call,” Mahmassani said, referencing recent fatal accidents, including a deadly collision in January near Washington, D.C., and a crash in Philadelphia.
Broader Context: Aviation Safety Under Scrutiny
The Midway near-miss comes amid heightened scrutiny of U.S. aviation safety. Over the past year, the FAA has investigated multiple runway incursions and close calls, including a similar incident at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in December 2024, where a Delta flight nearly collided with a plane carrying the Gonzaga men’s basketball team.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), 2025 has seen 13 fatal aviation accidents in the U.S. so far, fewer than the 31 recorded in the same period of 2024. However, the string of incidents, including the Midway near-miss, has led to a surge in public anxiety about flying. Google Trends data shows searches for “is it safe to fly” spiking in recent weeks, rivaling levels seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Looking Ahead: FAA Investigation and Industry Response
The FAA’s investigation into the Midway incident will likely examine ATC communications, pilot decision-making, and the procedures governing runway access at one of the nation’s busiest airports. In October 2024, the FAA announced an audit of runway incursion risks at the 45 busiest U.S. airports, signaling a proactive approach to addressing these dangers. However, critics, including Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT), have questioned whether recent staffing cuts at the FAA could undermine safety efforts.
For now, aviation experts and industry stakeholders are calling for enhanced training, better technology, and stricter adherence to protocols to prevent future incidents. As one X user, @GrantMc01824342, asked, “Between ATC and the pilots of that jet. Who were wrong here…..” The answer may lie in the FAA’s forthcoming report, but the near-miss at Midway serves as a stark reminder of the razor-thin margins that separate routine operations from potential tragedy in the skies.
Southwest Airlines and FlexJet have reaffirmed their commitment to safety, while Midway Airport officials have yet to comment publicly. As the investigation unfolds, the aviation community, and the traveling public will be watching closely to ensure that lessons are learned and implemented to prevent a repeat of this harrowing incident.
