On Saturday afternoon, June 14, 2025, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) experienced significant disruptions after a passenger aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 2123 made a threatening comment that sparked a full security response. The flight, operated by Horizon Air and bound for Walla Walla, Washington, was halted while taxiing to the runway following a "flippant remark regarding a bomb" made to the flight crew, according to officials from the Port of Seattle.
The incident unfolded just after noon, when the passenger reportedly made a direct threat to the safety of the aircraft while speaking to a flight attendant. In response, the flight crew immediately followed established security protocols by taxiing the plane to the outboard runway 16R/34L, the furthest from the terminal, to isolate the aircraft from the rest of the airport operations. Port of Seattle Police and Fire Departments quickly arrived on the scene to investigate.
As a precaution, authorities closed two of the airport's runways around 12:15 p.m., leaving one runway operational to maintain limited airport activity. The closure caused a ripple effect across Sea-Tac, with arriving flights forced to circle or divert to alternate airports. By 2 p.m., roughly 260 to 400 flights were delayed, six departing flights were canceled, and two were diverted, according to data from flight-tracking services and airport officials.
All 68 passengers and four crew members aboard Flight 2123 were safely deplaned by approximately 1:34 p.m. They were then subjected to thorough security screenings, including K9 inspections of passengers, baggage, and the aircraft itself. No suspicious items were found during these checks, easing immediate concerns but not eliminating the seriousness of the situation.
Following the investigation, a suspect was taken into custody. The Port of Seattle described the passenger’s comment as a "flippant remark about a bomb," emphasizing that all such threats are treated with utmost seriousness and caution. The FBI joined local authorities in reviewing the case and will collaborate with prosecutors to determine whether charges should be filed.
The incident had a considerable impact on airport operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ground stop for all flights heading to Sea-Tac, ordering them to hold at their origin airports to prevent further congestion. By 1:58 p.m., the center runway was reopened, allowing limited activity to resume. The aircraft involved was cleared by 3 p.m. and towed back to the terminal, with the previously closed runway 16R/34L reopening shortly after 3:15 p.m. The Port of Seattle announced that normal airport operations had resumed by 3:19 p.m.
Alaska Airlines released a statement acknowledging the incident, highlighting the professionalism of the flight crew in managing the situation. "There was a security incident this afternoon involving Alaska Airlines Flight 2123 operated by Horizon Air from Seattle to Walla Walla, Washington," the airline said. "During taxi to the runway, a guest made a direct threat to the safety of the aircraft to one of our flight attendants. Our crew members followed their procedures and secured the aircraft on a runway away from the airport. We are grateful for the professionalism and care of our crew throughout this incident and appreciate our guests' patience and understanding."
Passengers affected by the disruption were transported by bus back to the terminal, where they were rebooked on other flights. The airport advised travelers to monitor their airlines for updates, as delays and cancellations could continue to affect schedules.
The swift and coordinated response by airport staff, law enforcement, and federal agencies prevented any harm and ensured that the threat was contained quickly. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vigilance required in aviation security, where even a single remark can trigger large-scale disruption and concern.
As the FBI and Port of Seattle Police continue their review, the community awaits clarity on potential legal consequences for the individual involved. Meanwhile, Sea-Tac Airport has returned to normal operations, but the echoes of Saturday's event linger in the minds of travelers and staff alike.
This episode at Sea-Tac underscores the delicate balance airports must maintain between security and efficiency, especially in an era where threats—whether serious or made in jest—are treated with zero tolerance. It also highlights the professionalism of flight crews and law enforcement in handling in-flight threats with calm and decisive action.
