Southwest Airlines, the dominant carrier at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, is now under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) due to a series of recent safety incidents.

The FAA has initiated an audit of Southwest’s operations following multiple close calls, including instances of aircraft flying at dangerously low altitudes. This development has raised concerns among frequent flyers like Dr. Crystal Watkins Johansson, who expressed worry about the safety issues prompting the investigation.

Another passenger, Mark Lidtke, welcomed the probe, emphasizing the importance of maintaining vigilance over airline operations.

The FAA described the review as “Operator oversight” based on a “risk-based system.” Both the FAA and Southwest have confirmed the audit but declined to provide further details or interviews.

In response, Southwest has assembled a team of safety experts to reinforce its existing protocols. The airline stated, “Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees.”

Dr. Johansson, a mother of four, voiced her apprehension about flying in light of these developments. She called for a thorough investigation into the protocols and procedures that may be contributing to these near-misses.

The FAA has increased its oversight of Southwest to ensure compliance with federal safety regulations. The agency emphasized that safety considerations will dictate the timeline of the review.

As the investigation unfolds, passengers and industry observers alike await answers and potential improvements to Southwest’s safety measures.