A Southwest Airlines flight bound for South Florida diverted to Atlanta on Friday night after passengers became alarmed by the behavior of a fellow traveler. But what initially appeared to be a serious security incident ultimately turned out to be something far more mundane.
Southwest Flight Diverts After Passenger Prayer Alarm Sparks Security Scare
A Southwest Airlines flight from Nashville to Fort Lauderdale diverted to Atlanta on Friday evening after what the airline described as a possible security matter involving a passenger.
Southwest Flight 2094 departed Nashville International Airport (BNA) and was en route to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) when the crew elected to divert to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). The aircraft landed safely around 9:06 pm, where Atlanta police boarded the aircraft and removed one passenger. Federal authorities later determined there was no credible threat and no charges were filed.
The diversion added hours to the journey for passengers, who were eventually re-accommodated on another aircraft and arrived in Fort Lauderdale around 3:30 a.m. the following morning.
Passengers Alarmed By Behavior In Cabin
Passengers onboard say the situation began when a man seated in the cabin started praying aloud while a timer repeatedly sounded on his phone…