Full Breakdown
Severe Weather Forces Go-Arounds at Los Angeles International Airport
2/19/2026, 5:36:33 AM
Incident Overview: Turbulent Landings Amid Storm
On February 18, 2026, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 experienced significant turbulence while attempting to land at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) due to a severe winter storm. The aircraft, arriving from St. Louis, was forced to abort its landing as heavy winds buffeted the plane, prompting the pilot to execute a go-around maneuver. Video footage captured the dramatic moment, showing the plane struggling against the elements before safely landing on a subsequent attempt.
Passenger Experiences: A Wild Ride
Passengers aboard the flight reported extreme turbulence during their descent into LAX. One individual, who was on a Hawaiian Airlines flight arriving from Honolulu, described the turbulence as unprecedented, stating, “It was the worst turbulence I’ve ever experienced and it lasted three hours until we finally landed.” Another passenger recounted their landing experience as the “worst landing of their life,” emphasizing the chaotic conditions that made the descent feel perilous.
FAA Guidelines on Go-Arounds
In response to inquiries regarding the number of flights affected by the storm, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicated that the decision to perform a go-around is at the discretion of the pilot or may be requested by air traffic control. The FAA characterized go-arounds as a routine and safe maneuver, although they did not provide specific data on how many planes were diverted or forced to make go-arounds at LAX during the storm.
Criticism & Opposition: Concerns Over Safety
While the FAA maintains that go-arounds are standard practice, some critics have raised concerns about the safety implications of landing during severe weather conditions. Passengers have expressed anxiety over the turbulence experienced during their flights, with one individual humorously noting, “It was ‘Noah, start building the ark again’ bad.” Such sentiments highlight the tension between operational decisions made by pilots and the comfort and safety perceptions of passengers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps: Lack of Data
Despite the FAA's acknowledgment of the go-around procedures, there remains a gap in available data regarding the total number of flights impacted by the storm at LAX. As of the latest reports, the FAA has not disclosed how many aircraft were diverted or had to execute go-arounds, leaving uncertainty about the broader impact of the weather conditions on air travel that night.
Verbatim Quotes
- “A go-around is a safe, routine maneuver performed at the discretion of a pilot or at the request of an air traffic controller,” — FAA Spokesperson
- “It was the worst turbulence I’ve ever experienced and it lasted three hours until we finally landed.” — Passenger on Hawaiian Airlines
- “The kind where you start mentally reviewing your will.” — Anonymous Passenger
This incident underscores the challenges faced by airlines and pilots during adverse weather conditions, as well as the experiences of passengers navigating turbulent skies.
