Southwest Flight Returns to Orlando After Windshield Crack

Orlando, Fla. — Southwest Airlines Flight 2414, operated by a Boeing 737-700 with registration N212WN, returned safely to Orlando International Airport on Thursday morning, March 26, 2026. The flight was en route to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport when the crew reported a cracked windshield.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the incident occurred approximately 45 minutes after takeoff while the aircraft was cruising at flight level 360. The crew executed an immediate descent and return, landing on runway 35L around 7:15 a.m. local time. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.

The FAA confirmed it will investigate the cause of the structural damage. While aircraft safety protocols typically classify safe landings following windshield cracks as incidents rather than accidents, the agency noted that such issues often stem from pressurization stress, manufacturing defects, bird strikes or hail. As of Thursday evening, neither Southwest Airlines nor Boeing had issued official statements regarding the incident.