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4w ago

Alaska Airlines Flight Returns to Miami Gate After Crew Reports Passenger Threats

Miami-Dade deputies cleared the plane after removing two disruptive passengers, allowing the flight to resume to Seattle.

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 25: The Alaska Airlines logo is displayed on the tail section of Alaska Airlines planes a San Francisco International Airport on January 25, 2024 in San Francisco, California. Alaska Airlines reported fourth quarter earnings of $0.30 per share beating analyst expectations of $0.18. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
An Alaska Airlines flight that departed Miami International Airport for Seattle was forced to return to the gate on Sunday evening after crew members reported threats from passengers.
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An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 descending to land.

Overview

  • Sunday evening, Alaska Airlines Flight 305 pushed back from Miami but returned to Gate E6 after crew reported a ‘customer disturbance’ and threats against flight attendants.
  • Pilots enacted a cockpit lockdown, shut down engines and set the parking brake while they awaited ground authority help and a tow back to the gate.
  • Miami-Dade Airport District deputies deplaned passengers as a precaution, investigated at the gate, and concluded there was no credible threat.
  • The two passengers identified as disruptive were removed, rebooked on another flight and temporarily banned by Alaska Airlines, and Flight 305 departed for Seattle after a delay.
  • Air traffic control audio published online captured crew reports of the threats and helped drive public attention to the incident, which illustrates how standard cockpit-lockdown procedures coordinate with law enforcement to protect flights.