All departures were delayed after a passenger made a “direct threat” to the safety of an Alaska Airlines flight.
Alaska Airlines confirmed there was a security incident at about 1 p.m. involving Alaska Airlines Flight AS2123, operated by Horizon Air from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Walla Walla, Washington.
“During taxi to the runway, a guest made a direct threat to the safety of the aircraft to one of our flight attendants,” a spokesperson said. “Our crew members followed their procedures and secured the aircraft on a runway away from the airport.” The suspect is in custody, according to the Port of Seattle and the airline.
There were 68 PAX and four crew members onboard, according to Alaska Airlines. Passengers were safely deplaned and will be returned to the terminal after a security screening, according to the Port of Seattle.
The Federal Aviation Administration later issued a ground stop “due to security.” Two runways were closed after the incident, leaving just one open.
The aircraft will be subject to security measures before continuing, Alaska Airlines said.
