Why Taking Off From A Taxiway Could End In Disaster

Recently, a Southwest flight rejected take-off after commencing its take-off roll down the taxiway by mistake. Flying has become incredibly safe, in large part thanks to carefully honed procedures. Almost anything that deviates from operating procedures makes flying more dangerous, and taking off from a taxiway may be high up on the list. Occasionally, aircraft take off or land on taxiways by mistake. Most of the time, nothing bad happens. However, there is always the risk of a catastrophic collision.