Burbank: How Southwest jet and fighter plane almost collided over California skies

On July 25, 2025, the skies over Southern California bore witness to a terrifying near-collision that could have turned tragic. A Southwest Airlines commercial jet, carrying over 100 passengers, came dangerously close to a military fighter jet near Hollywood Burbank Airport. According to reports by CNN and the BBC, the incident has since sparked intense debate over air traffic control protocols, military coordination in civilian airspace, and airline safety.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since launched a full investigation into the close call, which occurred in one of the busiest air corridors in the United States. Social media exploded with concern as passengers recounted their shock, and aviation experts warned that the margin for error in such encounters is razor-thin.

What Happened: Timeline of the Incident

The incident occurred mid-morning on July 25 when Southwest Flight 1234 was preparing for descent into Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). At the same time, a military F-35 fighter jet was reportedly conducting routine training exercises in nearby restricted airspace.

According to initial FAA radar data, the fighter jet strayed within just 100 feet vertically and a few hundred feet laterally of the Southwest plane—a proximity that violates minimum separation standards for safety. The commercial pilot reportedly made a sudden evasive maneuver upon receiving a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alert, narrowly averting what could have been a catastrophic midair disaster.

Passengers described a jolt and sudden change in altitude. “We felt the plane dip suddenly. There was panic for a moment. People screamed,” said one traveler in an interview with a local affiliate.

Immediate Fallout and Passenger Response

Though the Southwest flight landed safely at Burbank, the aftermath left many shaken. Social media posts showed images of visibly distressed passengers and flight attendants calming anxious travelers. Some users speculated that they witnessed the fighter jet from their window, although this remains unverified.

One user tweeted:

“Thought it was turbulence until we saw the jet zoom past. Never been so scared on a flight. Thank you to our pilot for quick thinking.”

Southwest Airlines released a brief statement:

“We are aware of an airspace incident involving Flight 1234. All passengers and crew are safe. We are cooperating fully with the FAA’s investigation.”

FAA and Pentagon Launch Joint Investigation

The FAA is working closely with the Department of Defense (DoD) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to determine why a fighter aircraft entered or approached civilian flight space so closely.

Preliminary reports suggest that there may have been a breakdown in communication between military operations and civilian air traffic controllers. Officials stress that military aircraft are usually required to notify civilian authorities when conducting training in proximity to commercial airspace, especially near busy airports like Burbank.

An FAA official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described it as “one of the closest calls we’ve seen in recent memory involving a commercial airliner and a military jet.”

Air Traffic Control Under Scrutiny

This event has reignited concerns about coordination between military exercises and civilian flight paths. Aviation analysts say the U.S. airspace system is designed to handle such complexities, but incidents like this suggest critical lapses.

“Air traffic control systems are robust, but they depend on precise coordination between all involved,” said aviation expert Captain Ray Sanchez. “A fighter jet moves faster than commercial planes and needs more space to maneuver, making these near-misses even more dangerous.”

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) issued a statement urging review of military-civilian coordination procedures, particularly in densely populated air corridors like the one around Los Angeles.

A History of Close Calls in the Skies

This incident is not the first involving military aircraft and commercial planes near major airports. In 2023, a United Airlines flight departing from San Diego had a similar close call with an F/A-18 Hornet. Though rare, such incidents highlight the high-stakes nature of shared airspace.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), there were 15 reported “near midair collisions” involving commercial jets and military aircraft between 2010 and 2024.

Hollywood Burbank Airport: A Busy, Congested Hub

Hollywood Burbank Airport, while smaller than LAX, is a high-traffic regional airport that serves millions annually. It’s particularly busy during morning hours and sits beneath complex layers of flight paths used by both civilian and military aircraft.

Given its location in Southern California, Burbank is surrounded by several military bases, including Edwards Air Force Base and Naval Air Station Point Mugu. The proximity creates a unique challenge for air traffic controllers, who must juggle commercial and military flights with surgical precision.

Military Training Flights and Public Safety

While military pilots undergo extensive training and abide by strict airspace regulations, unexpected interactions with civilian flights do occur. The Pentagon maintains that such training is vital to national defense preparedness, but recent events may force a reevaluation of flight corridors and communication systems.

Advocacy groups are now calling for the DoD to publicly disclose more information about training routes and ensure real-time tracking is available to civilian controllers.

Calls for Reform and Transparency

Senators from California have already weighed in, with Senator Alex Padilla calling for congressional hearings:

“Our skies must be safe for everyone—passengers, pilots, and military personnel alike. This incident raises serious concerns.”

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the Department of Transportation (DOT) is “monitoring the situation closely” and awaiting the FAA’s full report.

Aviation unions, including the Allied Pilots Association (APA), are demanding reform:

“We need transparency in military flight paths and better integration with civilian systems to prevent a future tragedy.”

Passengers Share Their Shock and Gratitude

Despite the fear and confusion during the flight, passengers have since expressed gratitude to the pilot and crew for their swift response. Some have even launched social media campaigns thanking Southwest Airlines.

One viral post reads:

“To the pilot who saved 130 lives at 30,000 feet today—you’re a hero.”

What Happens Next

The FAA has promised a public report within 30 days. In the meantime, Southwest Airlines has offered counseling services to affected passengers and is reviewing the cockpit data recorder to determine how quickly the crew reacted.

Airline safety experts believe this incident could lead to changes in how military training schedules and airspace permissions are managed in real time.

A Wake-Up Call for US Airspace Safety

While a tragedy was averted this time, the Burbank near-miss serves as a sobering reminder of the complexity and fragility of the national airspace system. As investigations continue, one thing is clear: coordination between military and commercial aviation must be airtight—because in the skies, milliseconds can mean the difference between routine and disaster.