A near-miss incident at Chicago Midway Airport on February 25, 2025, nearly resulted in a catastrophic collision between a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 and a Flexjet Challenger 350. The Flexjet pilot failed to follow air traffic control (ATC) instructions, causing confusion and prompting a rapid ascent by the Southwest pilot to avoid the private jet. The two planes came within just 2,050 feet of each other vertically.

The FAA and NTSB have launched an investigation into the incident, which highlights rising concerns over runway incursions. The FAA stressed that pilots must follow ATC instructions, with severe consequences for non-compliance.

This event comes at a challenging time for Southwest Airlines, which is undergoing significant restructuring, including a 15% workforce reduction. The industry has faced increased scrutiny following another tragedy in January 2025, where a mid-air collision killed an American Airlines pilot. Experts are now calling for enhanced pilot training, improved ATC systems, and stricter safety enforcement.