Key Facts
• July 25, 2025: Southwest Airlines Flight 1496 departs Hollywood Burbank Airport.
• Shortly after takeoff, cockpit alarms sound, prompting emergency descent.
• A privately owned Hawker Hunter fighter jet crosses within 2 miles (3.2 km) and a few hundred feet of altitude.
• Southwest plane descends 145 meters, then climbs 182 meters within one minute.
• Two flight attendants injured; no passenger injuries reported.
• Flight continues for 39 minutes, landing in Las Vegas 9 minutes ahead of schedule.
• Fighter jet was en route from El Paso, Texas, to Ventura County, California.
• FAA and Southwest Airlines are investigating the incident.
• CNN has reached out to Hunter Aviation International, the registered owner of the fighter jet.
Summary
A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 narrowly avoided a collision with a privately owned Hawker Hunter fighter jet shortly after departing Hollywood Burbank Airport on July 25, 2025. The fighter jet crossed within 2 miles and a few hundred feet of the passenger plane, triggering cockpit alarms and forcing an emergency descent of 145 meters, followed by a climb of 182 meters. Passengers described the incident as chaotic, with screams filling the cabin. Two flight attendants sustained injuries, but no passengers were harmed. Despite the scare, the flight continued to Las Vegas, landing ahead of schedule. The Federal Aviation Administration and Southwest Airlines are investigating, while CNN has sought comments from the fighter jet’s registered owner, Hunter Aviation International.
