The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its first report on a near-collision incident that occurred between a light jet and a Southwest Airlines B737-800 at Chicago’s Midway Airport. The incident, which took place in early March 2025, has raised concerns about air traffic safety, particularly in busy airports like Midway.
According to the NTSB’s initial findings, the light jet, which was departing from the airport, came within a mere 100 feet of the Southwest Airlines aircraft, which was on the taxiway preparing for takeoff. The two aircraft were dangerously close to each other, and the situation was averted only when the Southwest pilot initiated a quick maneuver to avoid the light jet.
The NTSB report highlights several factors that contributed to the near-miss, including communication breakdowns and a misunderstanding of the aircraft’s positions by both the flight crews and air traffic control. The report also points to potential issues with Midway’s ground operations, where congestion and overlapping flight paths may have played a role in the close encounter.
The NTSB has launched a full investigation into the incident, which will include a thorough review of air traffic control procedures, cockpit communication protocols, and the operational environment at Midway Airport. The board has emphasized the importance of improving safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
While the incident did not result in any damage or injuries, it has prompted a wider conversation about air traffic management at one of the busiest airports in the United States. The NTSB’s final report and recommendations will be closely monitored by aviation safety experts, regulators, and the airline industry to ensure that such close calls do not happen again.
