Seattle-Tacoma International Airport experienced a tense security incident on Saturday, June 14, 2025, that led to the closure of two of its three runways and significant disruptions to airport operations. The situation unfolded when a passenger aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 2123, scheduled to fly from Seattle to Walla Walla, made a "flippant remark" about a bomb to a crew member during taxiing, prompting an immediate and serious response by airport and federal authorities.
The incident was first reported to the Port of Seattle Police at approximately 12:15 p.m. The flight crew promptly followed safety protocols by taxiing the aircraft to the outboard runway, 16R/34L, which is the furthest from the terminal, to isolate the situation. This quick action was instrumental in preventing any immediate danger and allowed emergency responders to begin their investigation with the aircraft securely positioned.
Authorities swiftly closed two runways—16R and 16C—to facilitate the investigation, while keeping the third runway, 16L, open for limited operations. This partial shutdown caused immediate ripple effects across the airport, with incoming flights either held at their origin, circling nearby, or being diverted to other airports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a full ground stop at Sea-Tac Airport, which remained in effect until 2:45 p.m. that afternoon.
Alaska Airlines confirmed that 68 passengers and four crew members were safely deplaned following the threat. After being escorted off the plane, passengers underwent thorough security screenings, including a K9 inspection of both the aircraft and baggage. Fortunately, no suspicious items were found during the search. The suspect who made the comment was taken into custody without incident, as confirmed by multiple official sources including the Port of Seattle Police and the FBI, who are currently reviewing the case and coordinating with prosecutors to determine whether charges will be filed.
The timeline of events reveals the swift and coordinated response by airport authorities. At 1:03 p.m., the Port of Seattle Police and Fire Departments began their investigation on the 16R/34L runway. By 1:16 p.m., two runways were closed. At 1:34 p.m., the suspect was in custody, and passengers began deplaning to return to the terminal after security screening. By 1:58 p.m., all passengers were safely off the aircraft, the center runway reopened, and the investigation continued with the 16R runway still closed. Finally, by 3:19 p.m., runway 16R was expected to reopen, signaling a return to normal airport operations.
The airport’s official social media updates reflected the evolving situation and reassured travelers. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport tweeted, "Situation has de-escalated. All passengers have been deplaned. Suspect in custody. Center runway has been reopened. Investigation with aircraft continues with 16R still closed. Track your flight with your airline." An hour later, they added, "All runways will be open soon and SEA Airport is returning to normal operations. Check with your airline on flight status."
During the incident, airport personnel and emergency vehicles were observed gathered behind the plane on the tarmac, underscoring the seriousness of the response. According to FlightAware and FlightRadar24 data, the disruption led to six Alaska Airlines flights being canceled and two others diverted. The FAA also reported gate hold and taxi delays ranging from 16 to 30 minutes, which increased as the situation developed.
Alaska Airlines released a statement emphasizing the crew's professionalism and adherence to safety protocols: "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." The airline also reassured customers, saying, "We are working to get all guests to their destinations safely and as quickly as possible."
The quick containment and resolution of this incident highlight the robust security measures in place at major airports like Sea-Tac. While the remark was ultimately deemed "flippant," the authorities treated it with the utmost seriousness, as any threat to aviation safety must be. The collaboration between the Port of Seattle Police, Fire Departments, the FBI, and the FAA ensured that the situation was managed efficiently, minimizing risk to passengers and staff.
This incident serves as a reminder of the sensitivity and vigilance required in air travel security. Even seemingly offhand comments can trigger extensive emergency responses, underscoring the zero-tolerance policy airports and airlines maintain toward threats. Travelers are encouraged to remain patient during such disruptions and to follow airline and airport guidance closely.
As of now, the investigation continues, with authorities reviewing all aspects of the incident to determine next steps. The suspect remains in custody, and no charges have yet been announced. Meanwhile, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has fully reopened all runways and resumed normal operations, working to clear the backlog of delayed and canceled flights.
