A Southwest Airlines flight safely aborted its takeoff at San Antonio International Airport on January 27 after a smaller aircraft mistakenly entered the runway while the 737 had already been cleared for departure.
Incident Details
Southwest Flight 4996, bound for Dallas, was instructed to discontinue its takeoff roll. According to Laura Swift, a Southwest spokesperson, this action was taken “due to a potential conflict with another aircraft.” Swift also stated that Southwest “appreciates the professionalism of its Pilots and Flight Attendants in addressing the situation,” emphasizing the airline’s commitment to customer and employee safety.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident, stating that air traffic control cancelled the Southwest flight’s takeoff clearance when the smaller plane entered the runway. Rick Breitenfeldt, an FAA spokesperson, indicated the event occurred around 1:40 p.m. local time and that the FAA is currently investigating.
FlightAware tracking data shows that Southwest Flight 4996 ultimately arrived in Dallas approximately two hours behind schedule after departing without further incident.
Runway Safety Concerns
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding runway safety. The FAA reported 1,520 runway incursions between January and November 2025, indicating this is a persistent issue within the aviation system. Data for December 2025 is not yet available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the Southwest flight to abort takeoff?
The Southwest flight aborted takeoff because a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft made a wrong turn onto the runway while the Southwest flight had already received clearance for departure.
Was anyone injured in the incident?
No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
Is the FAA taking action following this event?
Yes, the FAA is investigating the incident that occurred around 1:40 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Given the ongoing investigation, it is possible the FAA may issue new guidance or implement additional safety measures at San Antonio International Airport, or at other airports nationwide, to prevent similar incidents. Further analysis of the event could also lead to recommendations for improved pilot training or air traffic control procedures.
