The disruption impacted scores of customers who experienced unanticipated delays in their travel plans during the peak holiday season.
PHOENIX- On December 23, 2024, a Southwest Airlines (WN) aircraft from Phoenix (PHX) to Columbus (CMH) was diverted due to a physical altercation.
The incident happened immediately after Flight WN1699 took off from Sky Harbor Airport about 7 p.m. Furthermore, it was flown by a Boeing 737-700 registered as N441WN.
Southwest Airlines Phoenix Flight Brawl
Southwest Airlines acknowledged the unplanned landing, explaining that they conducted a U-turn at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport due to a passenger disturbance. The airline has begun working on alternate travel arrangements for affected customers.
Phoenix Police officers arrived at the flight’s gate at 9 p.m. to examine the issue. Both passengers declined to assist with law authorities during the investigation. Before the flight’s second attempt at departure, officers removed one passenger.
Police documented the incident but did not make any arrests. The cause of the altercation is unknown, as detectives try to gather information. Following the delay, the flight resumed its route to Columbus.
The disruption impacted scores of customers who experienced unanticipated delays in their travel plans during the peak holiday season. Southwest Airlines offered an apologies to any customers affected by the event.
Similar Incidents
Disruptive customers prompted emergency reactions on two different flights in December, disrupting JetBlue (B6) and Spirit Airlines (NK) operations.
JetBlue Flight 209 made an unexpected landing at Raleigh-Durham International Airport on December 11, due to passenger disturbance.
The Airbus A320, which flew from New York’s JFK Airport to Santo Domingo, landed at 9:40 a.m. The flight deviated from its Caribbean destination, affecting passengers’ travel plans during the high holiday season.
The next day, Spirit Airlines experienced a similar interruption when Flight 1317 never left Pittsburgh International Airport. The Tampa-bound Airbus A321 came to a halt on the tarmac at 9:50 a.m. owing to disruptive passenger conduct.
Crew personnel evacuated all passengers, who then boarded busses back to the terminal building.