The near-miss occurred on the morning of February 25, 2025, as both aircraft attempted to land. Thanks to the quick thinking of a Southwest Airlines pilot, a crisis was averted.<\/p>\n
According to airport surveillance footage, at around 8:20 a.m., Southwest Airlines Flight 2504 was making its approach when a Flexjet Challenger 350 unexpectedly crossed in front of it. The private jet was forced to make a rapid ascent, narrowly avoiding a collision with the larger Boeing 737-800.<\/p>\n
Flight data later revealed that at one point, the two aircraft were separated by just 2,050 feet vertically, with the Southwest plane flying over the Flexjet at an altitude of approximately 900 feet.<\/p>\n
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The incident immediately raised questions about what had gone wrong. ATC audio, obtained from LiveATC.net and shared by Flightradar24, shed light on the confusion.<\/p>\n
The Midway ground controller had initially given clear instructions: However, the Flexjet pilot\u2019s response indicated a misunderstanding: The controller immediately corrected the pilot: Despite this, the Flexjet continued on the incorrect path.<\/p>\n Sensing the danger, the Southwest pilot made a split-second decision: The control tower quickly responded: Meanwhile, the ground controller ordered the Flexjet to hold position. Yet, the pilot failed to comply immediately.<\/p>\n As the Southwest aircraft ascended, the controller repeated the hold instructions to the Flexjet pilot, who finally acknowledged: The tense exchange concluded with the Southwest pilot calmly asking,\u00a0\u201cTower, Southwest 2504, how\u2019d that happen?\u201d<\/em>\u2014a question that many have been asking in the wake of the incident.<\/p>\n FlightAware data confirmed that the Flexjet Challenger was en route to Knoxville, Tennessee, while the Southwest flight had originated from Omaha, Nebraska.<\/p>\n Southwest Airlines later issued a statement confirming that their crew had executed a precautionary maneuver\u00a0\u201cto avoid a possible conflict with another aircraft that entered the runway.\u201d<\/em>\u00a0The airline emphasized that\u00a0\u201cnothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Flexjet also acknowledged the incident, stating:\u00a0\u201cWe are aware of the occurrence today in Chicago. Flexjet adheres to the highest safety standards and is conducting a thorough investigation.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have since launched a joint investigation.<\/p>\n Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed the incident on X, warning that\u00a0\u201cit is imperative that pilots follow the instructions of air traffic controllers. If they do not, their licenses will be pulled.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cFlexjet 560, turn left on Runway 4 left, cross Runway 31 left, and hold short of Runway 31 center.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cAll right, left on 2\u2026 on 4 left, cross the 2-2, 13 center. Flexjet 560.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cFlexjet 560, negative.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cSouthwest 2504 going around.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cSouthwest 2504, Roger, climb, maintain 3000.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n
\u201cCross the hold short, hold short Hotel, Flexjet 560.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nOfficial Responses and Investigations<\/strong><\/h3>\n