A Southwest Airlines flight traveling from Nashville to Fort Lauderdale diverted to Atlanta after a Ramadan prayer reminder on a passenger’s phone triggered a security alert onboard.
The incident happened Friday night on Southwest Flight 2094, about 30 minutes after the aircraft departed Nashville International Airport. The Boeing jet had taken off at approximately 7:15 p.m. local time.
Crew members reported a passenger disturbance, prompting the plane to change course and land at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the flight crew alerted authorities after the situation raised security concerns.
Prayer Reminder Sparked Confusion
The situation began when a passenger set a timer on their phone to mark prayer time during Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar.
According to reports from NBC News and Fox News, the alert caused confusion among crew members and passengers.
Flight attendants reportedly moved quickly through the cabin before making an announcement over the aircraft loudspeaker.
Passengers were instructed to place their heads down and raise their hands while the crew assessed the situation.
Passengers Describe Tense Moments
Some travelers said they were initially unsure what was happening.
Passenger Sarah Porter told local station WKRN that the sudden announcement startled many people on board.
“They came over the loudspeaker telling passengers to put their heads down and hands up,” she said.
Her mother Julie Porter said passengers first thought the issue could be mechanical or medical.
“We didn’t know what was happening,” she said.
Passenger Removed After Landing
The aircraft landed in Atlanta around 9 p.m., where law enforcement officers boarded the plane.
Video recorded by passengers showed authorities entering the cabin and removing the traveler involved in the incident.
After the plane landed, passengers were asked to exit the aircraft while K 9 units inspected luggage.
Officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Atlanta Police later interviewed the passenger.
No Threat Found After Investigation
Authorities later confirmed the situation did not involve a credible security threat.
The FBI and local police said no charges would be filed after reviewing the circumstances.
Southwest Airlines said the diversion occurred out of caution after a misunderstanding of the passenger’s behavior.
After the investigation concluded, passengers boarded a replacement flight and arrived in Fort Lauderdale shortly before 3:30 a.m. Saturday.
The incident highlights how airlines often respond quickly to potential security concerns, even when they later turn out to be misunderstandings.