Southwest Midway Near Miss: FAA Investigation Reveals Safety Gaps

A near-collision between a Southwest Airlines flight and a Flexjet business jet at Chicago Midway International Airport on February 25, 2025, has sparked an urgent investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This incident, where the Southwest pilot executed a go-around to avert disaster, exposes potential vulnerabilities in communication protocols, air traffic control workload management, and runway safety procedures. For more details, see this Midway near-miss report. This incident serves as a critical reminder of the intricate balance required to maintain safe air travel.

Deconstructing the Midway Incident: A Chain of Events

The Southwest flight, arriving from Omaha, Nebraska, was on final approach to Runway 31C. Simultaneously, the Flexjet Bombardier Challenger 350, destined for Knoxville, Tennessee, was taxiing for departure. Preliminary reports indicate the Flexjet pilot misinterpreted instructions from ground control, leading the jet to cross Runway 31C as the Southwest flight was descending. The Southwest pilot’s swift reaction in initiating a go-around prevented a catastrophic collision. This incident underscores the critical role of pilot training and decisive action in emergency situations.

Unpacking the Root Causes: A Multifaceted Problem

The FAA investigation is meticulously dissecting the incident, focusing on several key areas:

• Communication Breakdown: Did miscommunication between the Flexjet pilot and ground control contribute to the runway incursion? Was the terminology used clear and unambiguous? Were there any technological or environmental factors that interfered with communication? Investigators will analyze recordings, interview personnel, and review established communication protocols to determine the precise sequence of events and identify any ambiguities.

• Air Traffic Control Workload: Was the air traffic controller managing an excessive number of aircraft at the time of the incident? Did workload contribute to a delayed response or a missed opportunity to intervene? The FAA will scrutinize controller shift patterns, traffic volume data, and established workload limits to assess whether fatigue or overextension played a role.

• Runway Safety Procedures: Are current runway incursion prevention protocols sufficient? Do they adequately address complex runway configurations like those at Midway? The investigation will review existing safety measures, including ground radar systems, runway signage, and pilot/controller training programs, to identify potential gaps and areas for improvement.

Beyond the Immediate: Long-Term Safety Enhancements

This near-miss at Midway provides a crucial learning opportunity for the aviation industry. The FAA’s investigation, along with internal reviews by both Southwest Airlines and Flexjet, are expected to yield actionable recommendations to bolster aviation safety. These recommendations may encompass:

• Enhanced Communication Protocols: Implementing standardized phraseology, improving communication technology, and mandating stricter adherence to established protocols.

• Workload Management Strategies: Optimizing controller scheduling, implementing advanced air traffic management systems, and developing strategies to mitigate the impact of high traffic volume on controller performance.

• Technological Upgrades: Exploring the use of next-generation runway incursion warning systems, integrating ground radar data with cockpit displays, and developing predictive models to identify potential conflicts before they escalate.

• Human Factors Training: Strengthening pilot and controller training programs to emphasize situational awareness, decision-making under pressure, and effective communication in complex environments.

A Collaborative Approach to Safer Skies

The Midway incident highlights the interconnectedness of the aviation ecosystem. Airlines, air traffic control, regulators, and technology providers must work collaboratively to address the systemic issues that contribute to runway incursions and other safety risks. A continued commitment to rigorous training, robust oversight, and proactive safety management is essential to ensure the safety and reliability of air travel. The lessons learned from this near-miss will be instrumental in shaping a more resilient and secure future for the aviation industry.