Southwest Airlines flights nearly took off from Florida taxiways on Thursday, officials said, before air traffic controllers halted potentially dangerous departures.
The incident occurred when Flight 3278 unfolded at Orlando International Airport at 9:30 a.m., officials said, as the plane tried to depart for Albany.
Southwest Airlines said its crew “mised the surface for a nearby runway” and no injuries have been reported.
Taxi is used by plane to reach the runways, gates and hangars. They are not designed for takeoff.
“Air traffic controllers at Orlando International Airport have cancelled the takeoff clearance for Southwest Airlines flight 3278 after the aircraft began taking off rolls on the taxiway,” according to a statement from the Federal Aviation Administration.
“The taxi runs parallel to the runway. The flight headed to New York’s Albany International Airport. No other aircraft involved. The FAA is under investigation.”
All Albany-bound travelers were placed on another flight along with their new crew, the airline said.
Federal officials continue to remind Americans that air travel is as safe as ever, but a recent string of catastrophes and incidents have scared the flying public.
On January 29, 67 people were killed on a military helicopter and American Flight 5342 from Wichita due to an air collision near Ronald Reagan National Airport. Anne Ambulance crashed in northeastern Philadelphia on February 1, killing seven people. Minneapolis was turned upside down on the runway at Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 17th. No one was killed, but 18 people were injured.
“There’s nothing more important to the Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees,” SWA said of the latest incident.
This is a developing story. Please check for updates.
