An Alaska Airlines plane aborted its takeoff at Nashville International Airport on Thursday to prevent a potential collision with a Southwest Airlines jet. Alaska Airlines Flight 369, carrying 176 passengers and six crew members, was cleared for takeoff but had to halt its departure to avoid a traffic conflict.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that Southwest Airlines Flight 2029 was authorized to cross the end of the same runway as the Alaska flight. The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident.
Alaska Airlines stated that their pilots promptly applied the brakes to prevent any escalation of the situation. The aircraft, which was bound for Seattle, did not proceed with the takeoff, and passengers are being transferred to a different plane.
Both airlines are cooperating with the FAA’s investigation to understand the circumstances that led to the near-miss. The quick response by the Alaska Airlines crew helped avert a potentially serious incident.
The FAA’s inquiry will focus on the communication and coordination between air traffic control and the two airlines involved. The incident highlights the importance of strict adherence to air traffic protocols.
Nashville International Airport has resumed normal operations following the incident. The safety of passengers and crew remains a top priority as investigations continue.
The incident serves as a reminder of the critical need for vigilance and coordination in aviation to prevent potential collisions and ensure passenger safety.