Full Breakdown
Southwest Airlines Flight Executes Go-Around at Hollywood Burbank Airport
3/29/2026, 1:06:08 AM
Incident Overview
On Thursday afternoon, a Southwest Airlines flight from Las Vegas was forced to perform a go-around while attempting to land at Hollywood Burbank Airport. The pilot announced to passengers that the "ordered runway wasn’t quite clear," leading to the decision to abort the landing. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the aircraft's wheels briefly touched the runway before the Boeing 737 ascended steeply back into the air. The incident occurred around 3 p.m., and the pilot estimated an additional 5-10 minutes before a successful landing could be attempted.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Response
The FAA confirmed the occurrence, stating that the flight crew executed a pilot-initiated go-around after briefly landing. They clarified that there were no other aircraft or vehicles involved in the incident. A Southwest Airlines spokesperson emphasized that the airline had no internal reports of a runway incursion and reiterated that safety remains the top priority for the company.
Context of Safety Concerns
This incident is part of a broader pattern of safety concerns at Hollywood Burbank Airport. Recent reports indicate a series of near misses, including a notable incident earlier this month involving a Blackhawk helicopter and a United Airlines flight. Over the past five years, the FAA has recorded six near misses at the airport, prompting criticism from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding FAA oversight. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy has previously expressed concerns about the airport's safety record, highlighting it as a significant area of risk in the airspace.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have raised alarms about the frequency of incidents at Hollywood Burbank Airport, questioning the adequacy of safety measures in place. The NTSB's scrutiny of the FAA's oversight has intensified, with calls for improved safety protocols to prevent future occurrences. The recent go-around incident has reignited discussions about the airport's operational safety and the need for stringent regulations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Hey folks, just a quick update. The ordered runway wasn't quite clear when we were going to touch down there, so we had to go-around. Now, we will get back in line and another probably five or 10 minutes here, and we'll be landing,” — Southwest Airlines Pilot
- “From our initial reports, the pilots performed a routine go around before landing safely. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of its customers and employees,” — Southwest Airlines Spokesperson
- “I keep hearing about other areas in the airspace where they're concerned. Burbank is one,” — Jennifer Homendy, NTSB Chair
What's Next
The FAA continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident, as well as the broader safety issues at Hollywood Burbank Airport. Stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, with potential implications for operational protocols and safety regulations in the future.
