OKLAHOMA CITY – A Southwest Airlines flight bound for Phoenix was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Oklahoma City on Friday afternoon after the flight crew declared an emergency while en route.
Flight Details
Southwest Airlines Flight WN747 departed Nashville International Airport (BNA) at 11:37 AM CDT, scheduled for a cross-country trek to Phoenix. According to flight tracking data, the aircraft—a Boeing 737 MAX 8 with registration N8720L—reached a cruising altitude of 32,000 feet and appeared to be operating normally for the first portion of the journey.
The Emergency Declaration
The situation changed approximately two hours into the flight. While over the South Central United States, the flight crew transmitted a Squawk 7700 code, the aviation standard for declaring a general emergency.
Following the declaration, the aircraft performed a sharp U-turn and began a rapid descent. Air traffic control prioritized the vessel, vectoring it toward Will Rogers World Airport (OKC) in Oklahoma City for an immediate landing.
Current Status
Emergency ground crews in Oklahoma City were placed on standby to meet the aircraft upon arrival, a standard protocol for “7700” declarations.
UPDATE #1
The flight is diverting due to a medical situation on board.
UPDATE #2
The flight is expected to land in few mins.
UPDATE #3
Touche down on runway 35L.
UPDATE #4
Taxied to gate 16.
