Alaska Airlines flight diverted after passenger assaults crew amid rising in-flight violence in 2025

An Alaska Airlines flight from Portland to Dallas was diverted to Boise, Idaho, following an alleged assault by a passenger on two flight attendants. The incident occurred approximately 30 minutes into the flight, prompting a security diversion to Boise Airport.

Tracy Barkhimer, 61, from White Salmon, Washington, was arrested upon landing after exhibiting erratic behavior and allegedly striking two crew members who were attempting to calm her down. Boise Police officers met the aircraft at around 1:30 am MT, where the victims filed affidavits for a citizen’s arrest.

Barkhimer was taken into custody and booked into the Ada County Jail on two counts of misdemeanor battery. She posted a $600 cash bond and is scheduled to appear in court in early November.




About an hour into its flight to Dallas, the plane was forced to divert after a passenger allegedly physically assaulted two flight attendants, a spokesperson for Alaska Airlines told USA TODAY.

After undergoing a medical evaluation, the crew was cleared to continue, and approximately 90 minutes later, the flight resumed its journey to Dallas, the airline said.

"At Alaska Airlines, safety is our number one priority, and we do not tolerate violence of any kind against our employees," the carrier said. "The passenger in question has been banned from flying with us. We are grateful to our crew for their professionalism, and we apologize for any concern or inconvenience this situation caused."

As of September 28, the Federal Aviation Administration reported 1,205 incidents involving unruly passengers in 2025. Each passenger involved can face fines of up to $43,658 per violation.