A tense moment unfolded aboard a Southwest Airlines flight in the United States after a reported security concern forced the aircraft to make an unscheduled landing in Atlanta, where police boarded the plane and removed a passenger.
Videos circulating on social media show frightened travellers raising their hands above their heads while officers from the Atlanta Police Department detain and escort a passenger off the aircraft.
Flight diverted mid-air
The incident involved Southwest Airlines Flight 2094, which had departed Nashville International Airport in Tennessee and was headed to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Friday evening.
According to reports, the crew diverted the aircraft mid-flight due to what the airline later described as a “possible security matter.” The plane landed safely at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport shortly after 9 pm local time.
Once on the ground, an armed team from the Atlanta Police Department boarded the plane and removed the passenger linked to the security concern.
Passengers raise hands in viral video
Footage shared online shows the tense moments inside the cabin as officers moved through the aisle to detain the passenger.
Several travellers can be seen holding their hands in the air while the individual is handcuffed and escorted off the aircraft by police officers.
The video quickly spread across social media platforms, capturing the fear and confusion among passengers during the incident.
FBI says no credible threat found
Federal authorities, including the FBI, later assessed the situation after the passenger was removed from the aircraft.
Officials determined that there was no credible threat, and authorities said no charges would be filed against the individual.
However, details about what exactly prompted the security response, including what the passenger may have said or done, have not been publicly disclosed.
Southwest issues statement
Southwest Airlines confirmed the diversion in a statement, saying the aircraft landed safely while responding to a possible security issue.
“Southwest Airlines Flight 2094 landed safely at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Friday evening after diverting to respond to a possible security matter. We appreciate the professionalism of our flight crew and apologise to our customers for the delay,” the airline said.
The airline added that the safety of its passengers and employees remains its top priority.
Passengers on the affected flight were later reaccommodated on another aircraft and continued their journey to Fort Lauderdale, arriving in the early hours of Saturday.
