Southwest flight tried to take off from Florida taxiway after crew mistook it for runway

Southwest Airlines flight nearly took off from a Florida taxiway on Thursday before an air traffic controller stopped the potentially dangerous departure, officials said.

The incident involving Flight 3278 unfolded at Orlando International Airport at 9:30 a.m. as the plane attempted to depart for Albany, officials said.

Southwest Airlines said its crew “mistook the surface for the nearby runway” and no injuries were reported.

RecommendedOn March 20, 2025, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Southwest Airlines Flight 3278, scheduled to depart from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Albany, New York, was involved in a critical safety incident. The flight crew mistakenly initiated a takeoff from Taxiway H, a surface parallel to the intended Runway 17R, before an alert air traffic controller intervened to abort the takeoff clearance, averting a potential disaster.

Incident Details

Flight 3278, operating a Boeing 737, had been cleared for takeoff on Runway 17R. However, the crew commenced their takeoff roll on Taxiway H, which runs parallel to the designated runway. The misidentification occurred under clear daylight conditions, reducing the likelihood of environmental factors contributing to the error. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that no other aircraft were involved in the incident, and the plane stopped safely on the taxiway without any reported injuries.

Immediate Response

Upon recognizing the error, air traffic control promptly canceled the takeoff clearance, instructing the aircraft to abort its takeoff roll. The flight returned to the gate, and passengers were accommodated on an alternative aircraft, resulting in a delay of nearly four hours before departing to Albany. Southwest Airlines emphasized their commitment to safety, stating, “Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees.”

Investigations Underway

The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated investigations to determine the factors leading to this incident. Southwest Airlines is fully cooperating with these agencies to understand the circumstances and prevent future occurrences. The FAA has previously conducted safety reviews of Southwest and announced plans to implement advanced technology to detect runway incursions at 74 airports by the end of 2026.

Context of Recent Aviation Safety Concerns

This incident adds to a series of recent aviation safety concerns in the United States. Notably, a Southwest Airlines flight experienced a near-collision with a private jet at Chicago Midway Airport in late February 2025. Additionally, a Delta Air Lines aircraft’s landing gear collapsed during a crash-landing in Toronto, raising further questions about aviation safety protocols.

Industry and Regulatory Responses

In response to these incidents, the FAA has announced plans to install advanced technology to detect runway incursions at 74 airports by the end of 2026. Furthermore, the Secretary of Transportation plans to unveil a comprehensive strategy to modernize the U.S. air traffic control system, addressing safety concerns and aiming to prevent future incidents.

The swift actions of the air traffic controller and the flight crew’s compliance with instructions were pivotal in preventing a potential catastrophe during this taxiway takeoff attempt. As investigations proceed, the aviation industry anticipates implementing lessons learned to enhance safety protocols and maintain public confidence in air travel.