A Southwest Airlines flight at Orlando International Airport narrowly escaped a potentially catastrophic incident when the crew mistakenly attempted to take off from a taxiway instead of the designated runway.
The alarming event, which was halted by an alert air traffic controller, has raised questions about aviation safety and prompted investigations by federal authorities.
According to the AP, Southwest Flight 3278, bound for Albany, New York, had been cleared for takeoff when the crew initiated a takeoff roll on a taxiway after mistaking it for the adjacent runway.
Taxiways are designed for aircraft to maneuver on the ground between gates, hangars, and runways, while runways are specifically constructed for takeoffs and landings.
The error was caught in time by air traffic control, preventing what could have been a dangerous departure. No injuries were reported, and the passengers were later transferred to another aircraft to continue their journey.
Southwest Airlines issued a statement acknowledging the mistake, noting that the crew “mistook the surface for the nearby runway.”
The airline emphasized its commitment to safety, stating, “Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees.”
The aircraft involved was removed from service to facilitate an investigation, a move intended to ensure transparency and cooperation with authorities.
NBC News elaborated on the incident, highlighting the swift intervention of the air traffic controller as a critical factor in averting disaster.
The outlet reported that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations to determine the cause of the mix-up.
Preliminary reports suggest that the taxiway and runway at Orlando International Airport run parallel to each other, which may have contributed to the confusion.
However, aviation experts are expected to examine factors such as crew training, airport signage, and visibility conditions at the time of the incident.
Yahoo News, citing officials, noted that the event occurred on Thursday, with the story breaking early Friday morning, March 21, 2025.
The outlet underscored the significance of the air traffic controller’s quick response, which prevented the plane from gaining significant speed or encountering obstacles on the taxiway.
Southwest’s decision to accommodate passengers on a replacement aircraft was also highlighted as a practical step to minimize disruption while allowing for a thorough review of the original plane.
This incident adds to a series of recent aviation safety concerns involving Southwest Airlines, prompting scrutiny from both the public and regulators.
The FAA and NTSB investigations will likely focus on whether human error, procedural lapses, or environmental factors played a role. Southwest has pledged full cooperation with these agencies, signaling its intent to address any underlying issues.
