On March 26, 2026, Southwest Airlines Flight 2353, arriving from Las Vegas, performed a pilot-initiated go-around at Hollywood Burbank Airport after the runway was found to be obstructed.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the flight crew executed a go-around following a brief touchdown. According to the FAA, no other aircraft or vehicles were involved in the incident.
Video obtained by KABC showed the pilot informing passengers that the “ordered runway wasn’t quite clear” at the time of the landing attempt, necessitating the maneuver. The pilot also indicated that landing would be delayed by five to ten minutes.
One passenger described the aircraft’s wheels as having briefly touched the runway before the plane climbed steeply for the go-around.
Southwest Airlines issued a statement clarifying that they have no internal reports of any runway incursion and that the FAA confirmed the same. The airline emphasized that the event was managed as a routine go-around and that the safety of customers and employees remains their top priority.
Why it matters
Go-arounds are standard safety procedures used when pilots determine that landing conditions are unsafe or compromised. This incident highlights the ongoing importance of pilot vigilance and communication to ensure passenger safety, especially at busy regional airports like Hollywood Burbank.
Background
Hollywood Burbank Airport often experiences high traffic volumes despite its relatively short runways, making precise operations critical. Southwest Airlines has experienced prior incidents requiring rapid pilot responses; notably, in July 2025, a Southwest pilot evaded a midair collision shortly after departing from the same airport.
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