Passenger Attacks Crew on Alaska Airlines Flight, Plane Diverts

An Alaska Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing on Tuesday after a passenger allegedly attacked two flight attendants.

Alaska Airlines Flight 1057, traveling from Portland, Oregon, to Dallas, Texas, experienced a security incident early Tuesday morning. The airline stated the plane diverted to Boise, Idaho, following the assault.

“After a security incident in which a passenger physically assaulted two attendants, the plane diverted to Boise,” Alaska Airlines said in a statement. “The passenger was arrested by law enforcement, and medics met the aircraft at the gate. Following a medical evaluation, our crew was cleared to fly, and the aircraft continued after a delay of approximately 90 minutes.”

Arrest and Charges

Authorities identified the passenger as Tracy Anne Barkhimer, 61, from White Salmon, Washington. She behaved erratically and struck two airline employees who were attempting to calm her down.

“She was restrained until the flight landed. The employees filed citizen’s arrests, and Barkhimer was removed from the plane without incident. She was taken into custody and booked into the Ada County Jail,” police reported.

Barkhimer faces two counts of battery and posted a $600 cash bond on Tuesday. She is scheduled to appear in court in early November. Alaska Airlines confirmed she has been banned from future flights with the airline.

“At Alaska Airlines, safety is our number one priority, and we do not tolerate violence of any kind against our employees,” the airline said. “We are grateful to our crew for their professionalism, and we apologize for any concern or inconvenience this situation caused.”

Safety Concerns and Past Incidents

This incident comes amid heightened awareness of airline safety, following a January 2024 Alaska Airlines flight that experienced a fuselage depressurization shortly after takeoff from Portland International Airport.

During that event, a window blew out on a Boeing 737 Max 9, creating a hole that partially sucked clothing off a child. The flight made an emergency landing after passengers donned oxygen masks. No one was seriously hurt.

An NTSB investigation later found that four bolts securing the aircraft’s door plug panel had been removed and not replaced during assembly. The board recommended that Boeing improve safety training and ensure all personnel understand when documentation of repairs is required. Board members emphasized the importance of safety awareness across all levels of the company.

Alaska Airlines continues to enforce strict safety protocols and emphasizes the importance of crew professionalism during in-flight incidents. Officials reaffirm that safety remains the airline’s top priority.