Near miss in Nashville and bomb scares spark weekend travel chaos

Air traffic control audio reveals confusion during a near miss involving two Southwest Airlines flights Saturday.

(NBC)- A series of alarming aviation incidents is raising concerns about air travel safety, including a close call at Nashville International Airport and multiple bomb scare disruptions across the country.

Air traffic control audio reveals confusion during a near miss involving two Southwest Airlines flights Saturday.

Controllers instructed an arriving flight to perform a “go-around,” placing it on a potential collision course with a departing plane. Pilots in both aircraft took evasive action after receiving onboard alerts, avoiding what could have been a catastrophic accident.

The Federal Aviation Administration says both crews responded appropriately, and the arriving flight ultimately landed safely despite gusty winds.

Meanwhile, a wave of bomb threats triggered panic at airports from Pittsburgh to Denver.

Passengers were seen evacuating planes, some using emergency slides, as law enforcement conducted thorough searches.

In one incident at Denver International Airport, a flight was halted after a bomb threat was reported.

The FBI says no dangerous materials were found on board.

“It was terrifying,” said one passenger. “They put us on buses and didn’t take us far from the plane.”

A similar scare occurred mid-air on a United Airlines flight from Chicago to New York, when the pilot reported a potential onboard threat.

The aircraft was diverted to Pittsburgh, where authorities investigated the situation. No injuries were reported.

Airlines say safety protocols were followed in each case, but the incidents highlight growing anxiety for travelers amid a series of close calls and security scares.