A passenger aboard an Alaska Airlines flight caused a stir at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Sunday evening after opening an emergency exit and climbing over the plane’s wing, citing anxiety as the reason for her actions. The incident occurred shortly after Alaska Airlines Flight 323 had landed and passengers began disembarking around 5 p.m. local time.
“A state of Anxiety”
According to a Fox News report, the woman, who had already been seated as other passengers filed off the aircraft, suddenly became overwhelmed with anxiety. In a moment of distress, she opened the emergency exit and proceeded to climb onto the wing. This unexpected move prompted immediate concern among the flight crew, who swiftly called for assistance.
A spokesperson for the Port of Seattle Fire Department confirmed that first responders were dispatched to the scene to safely remove the woman from the wing. Fortunately, the fire department managed to bring her down without incident and transported her to a nearby hospital for a medical evaluation. Local authorities were informed of the situation, and Port Police are reportedly looking into the matter further.
Alaska Airlines response: ‘Swift Resolution’
In a statement, Alaska Airlines confirmed the event, describing the situation as a “disruptive guest” incident. The airline assured the public that the matter was “safely resolved” and extended gratitude to its flight attendants for their quick thinking.
“We are working with our crew and airport officials to gather more details about what may have transpired,” said an Alaska Airlines spokesperson. “We thank our employees for their swift response and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our guests.”
The airline did not specify whether the passenger would face any further consequences.
Previous safety incidents involving Alaska Airlines
This latest event is not the first time Alaska Airlines has made headlines for unusual safety incidents. In January 2024, a Boeing 737-9 MAX operated by the airline was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after takeoff due to a mid-flight door malfunction. Passengers recorded shocking footage showing the aircraft’s mid-cabin exit door detaching mid-air.
In August 2024, another strange incident occurred involving a passenger aboard a Jetstar Airways flight in Australia. The individual exited a stationary plane through an emergency exit, walked along the wing, and climbed down onto the tarmac at Melbourne Airport. He was arrested for aggressive behavior and breaching aircraft safety protocols.
Authorities are closely monitoring the ongoing investigations into both these cases, including the latest Alaska Airlines situation.
As the aviation industry continues to grapple with safety challenges, these incidents serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of passenger behavior and the need for constant vigilance in ensuring flight safety.