Alaska Airlines Flight Returns to Gate Following Reported Passenger Threats

An Alaska Airlines plane that was taxiing for departure at Miami International Airport returned to the gate yesterday amid a “passenger disturbance.”

The flight was bound for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told USA Today.

According to audio from the flight, air traffic controllers were alerted by the plane’s pilot that the plane would be going “into a lockdown protocol,” including shutting down the engine.

This alert apparently followed threats that flight attendants had received from passengers on the plane. The plane’s pilot requested that controllers contact law enforcement, according to USA Today.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Airport District deputies responded, and during their investigation, all passengers onboard the flight were required to deplane. The sheriff’s office later told USA Today that its investigation found “no credible threat.” 

“The two individuals involved were rebooked on another flight,” according to the sheriff’s office and the remaining passengers were allowed to reboard their originally scheduled flight.

The FAA has said it also intends to investigate the incident.

For its part, Alaska Airlines confirmed with USA Today that there were passengers onboard the flight who were “disruptive during the aircraft’s taxi.” The airline did not provide any additional details.

"The safety of our guests and crew is always our highest priority," Alaska said in an email to USA Today. "We appreciate our employees' professionalism and apologize to our guests for the delay and inconvenience."

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