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Alaska Airlines Passenger Triggers Ground Stop at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Panic rippled through Seattle Airport on Saturday afternoon when a passenger aboard an
Alaska
Airlines flight allegedly issued a ‘direct threat to the safety of the aircraft,’ prompting an immediate ground stop and a swift response by police.

According to authorities, a threat was issued right as a Horizon Air plane heading to Walla Walla was about to depart.

The aircraft was still taxiing on the tarmac before it was suddenly redirected away from the terminal and surrounded by emergency response units.

Two major runways were shut down, and inbound flights were temporarily halted as Port of Seattle police descended on the scene.

An announcement from Alaska Airlines explained: “During the process of the plane moving towards the runway, a traveler issued a specific threat concerning the safety of the aircraft when talking to a flight attendant.”

Details about the threat remain undisclosed, however authorities state that the severity of the passenger’s statements prompted an extensive security reaction.

The suspect, whose identity has not yet been released, was taken into custody without incident.

While the passengers were asked to leave the plane, law enforcement officers conducted a thorough search of the aircraft as part of additional security checks.




A canine trained to detect explosives examined each traveler as they queued up one-by-one beside the aircraft.

As the investigation unfolded, airport operations ground to a halt, reports
KING5 Seattle.

The Port of Seattle reported that due to the police operation, two runways were shut down, leading to significant disruptions throughout Sea-Tac’s flight schedule. This resulted in at least six flights being cancelled completely, with another two having to be redirected en route.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) along with officials from the Port of Seattle collaborated to ensure the airplane’s security and rescreen all travelers involved.

Alaska Airlines stated the affected plane will remain out of service until it has been fully cleared under ‘enhanced security measures.’

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