Southwest flight almost takes off from taxiway - rather than runway - at Florida airport
Share and Follow

A Southwest Airlines flight almost took off from a taxiway – rather than a runway – at a central Florida airport on Thursday before an air traffic controller stopped the plane, officials said.

No injuries were reported, and passengers departing Orlando International Airport were accommodated on another aircraft heading to their destination of Albany, New York, the airline said in a statement. The aircraft was switched to help facilitate an investigation.

Southwest Flight 3278 had been cleared for takeoff and initiated a takeoff roll on a taxiway after the crew mistook the surface for the nearby runway, officials said. But air traffic controllers canceled the clearance before the plane could take off.

Taxiways are routes used by planes to move on the ground between gates, hangars and runways. Runways are the long, usually paved, areas of airports specifically meant for takeoffs and landings.

Southwest is working with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

“Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees,” the airline said in a statement.

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump vows no 'Bad Santas' in America, piles praise on Christmas Eve

Trump Pledges to Keep ‘Bad Santas’ Out of America, Celebrates Christmas Eve Spirit

First Lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump continued a cherished tradition…
Jordan Clarkson got the Knicks out of 'mud' with strong performance

Jordan Clarkson Shines Bright: Lifts Knicks Out of Slump with Stellar Performance

Jordan Clarkson demonstrated his exceptional scoring prowess, delivering an immediate and powerful…
Travis Kelce addresses retirement ahead of potential last dance

Travis Kelce Contemplates Retirement: NFL Star Hints at Final Season with Potential ‘Last Dance

Travis Kelce has left the door open for the possibility of retiring…
New laws going into effect Jan. 1, 2026

Groundbreaking Laws Set to Transform Lives: What You Need to Know Before January 1, 2026

In 2026, a wave of new legislation will sweep across the United…
'If you need us, call us': Fire officials urge chimney inspections to prevent holiday fires

Prevent Holiday Fires: Fire Officials Stress the Importance of Chimney Inspections

With the holiday season upon us and chimneys across the nation coming…
PICTURED: What to eat on Christmas if you're on Ozempic or biohacking

Discover Festive Feast Ideas for Ozempic Users and Biohackers This Christmas

For most people, Christmas is one of those rare occasions when dietary…
Portnoy unleashes on Ross for coaxing NFL star into antisemitic dance

Portnoy Criticizes Ross for Encouraging NFL Star’s Controversial Antisemitic Dance

Dave Portnoy recently criticized online influencer Adin Ross following an intense exchange…
Love Actually rich list REVEALED

Unveiling the Wealthiest Stars of Love Actually

Every Christmas, there’s one film that never fails to make a comeback,…