A person is in custody and law enforcement are investigating after a threat from a disruptive passenger led to an emergency diversion at the St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) in Florida on Sunday.
Allegiant Air Flight 1023, bound for Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport in Virginia, made an emergency return to PIE after “a passenger caused a disruption,” Andrew Porrello, a spokesperson for Allegiant Air, told Newsweek in an email on Sunday.
The passenger was taken into custody by law enforcement, according to Porrello, but further information on the charges the suspect may face were not provided.
Deputies with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s office responded and “are investigating a threat made on an Allegiant flight,” Sergeant Amanda Sinni told Newsweek in an email on Sunday. “The airport has remained open and there are no passengers in danger.”
Newsweek has requested more information on the nature of the threat from officials via email Sunday.
Why It Matters
This diversion comes amid a documented rise in disruptive passenger incidents on U.S. flights since 2020, a trend acknowledged by multiple industry and government sources.
Incidents range from verbal altercations to threats that draw emergency law enforcement responses and flight diversions.
Such events cause operational delays, passenger inconvenience, and pose significant safety challenges for airlines and law enforcement.
What To Know
Shortly after takeoff at PIE, crew members on Allegiant Flight 1023 reported a disturbance involving a passenger.
“Allegiant does not tolerate disruptive behavior of any kind. The aircraft returned to the airport where it landed safely,” Porrello told Newsweek. “Law enforcement met the aircraft and took the passenger into custody.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported a significant uptick in disruptive passenger behavior following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, attributed in part to mask mandates, flight delays, and increased traveler stress.
In 2021 alone, the FAA initiated more than 1,000 investigations into passenger interference with crews or flight operations, compared to the historical average of fewer than 150 per year, according to FAA Incident Data. The agency enforces a zero-tolerance policy for unruly conduct, carrying the potential for civil penalties and criminal charges, depending on the incident severity.
What People Are Saying
Andrew Porrello, Allegiant Media Relations, said in an emailed statement to Newsweek: “Earlier today, shortly after 2PM Eastern Time, a passenger caused a disruption on board Allegiant Flight 1023, en route from PIE to Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport. Allegiant does not tolerate disruptive behavior of any kind. The aircraft returned to the airport, where it landed safely. Law enforcement met the aircraft and took the passenger into custody. The plane returned to the gate where all passengers and crew are currently deplaning. Unfortunately, the crew are reaching their FAA-mandated time limits, so we must re-crew the flight. Once that is done, the flight will continue to its destination. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused our passengers.”
Sergeant Amanda Sinni, Public Information for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, told Newsweek in an email Sunday: “The only information that I can confirm at this time is that deputies are investigating a threat made on an Allegiant flight. The airport has remained open and there are no passengers in danger.”
What Happens Next
Passengers from Allegiant Flight 1023 are awaiting a replacement crew in Florida so that they can continue to Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office remains the lead agency investigating the incident.
Update 7/6/25 4:38 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with more information.
The post Flight Diverted Back to Florida Airport After Passenger Disruption appeared first on Newsweek.
