FAA Investigates Close Calls at Chicago Midway and Washington Reagan Airports Amid Growing Aviation Safety Concerns
Two close-call aviation incidents on Tuesday have prompted federal investigations, raising fresh concerns about air traffic safety in the U.S. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are reviewing the events, which occurred within 90 minutes of each other at Chicago Midway International Airport and Washington Reagan National Airport, according to The New York Times.
Details of the Incidents
- At Chicago Midway, a private jet entered a runway without authorization, forcing a Southwest Airlines plane to abort its landing to avoid a collision.
- At Washington Reagan, an American Airlines flight had to cancel its landing to prevent a conflict with a departing plane on the same runway.
Aviation Safety Still at Record Highs
Despite recent high-profile near-misses and aviation disasters, experts stress that flying remains one of the safest modes of transportation.
- Data shows fewer airline accidents occurred last month than in any other January on record.
- Aviation safety in the U.S. has dramatically improved over the last 40 years, making commercial air travel safer than ever.
What’s Next for Aviation Safety?
With the FAA and NTSB intensifying investigations, regulators are likely to reassess runway safety protocols and air traffic control measures. While these incidents did not result in crashes, they serve as a reminder of the importance of strict aviation safety oversight.
