Southwest flight diverted after Ramadan prayer reminder causes security scare. Watch

Authorities investigated the incident after the plane landed in Atlanta. (Image credit: X/@bennyjohnson)

• Southwest flight diverted after Ramadan prayer timer caused alarm
• Passenger removed, no credible threat found after investigation
• Travellers continued to Fort Lauderdale after security checks

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A Southwest Airlines flight was diverted after a misunderstanding involving a passenger’s Ramadan prayer timer phone triggered a security alert, authorities said.

The incident occurred on Friday night on Southwest Flight 2094, which departed from Nashville International Airport and was heading to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida. About 30 minutes into the journey, the crew reported a “passenger disturbance,” according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

“They came over the loudspeaker, instructing passengers to put their heads down and hands up,” passenger Sarah Porter told WKRN.

“We didn’t know if it was something mechanical, something medical,” her mother, Julie Porter, told the outlet.

Due to the reported concern, the aircraft diverted to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where it landed safely around 9 pm. Law enforcement officers boarded the plane and removed one passenger while other travellers were asked to keep their heads down and hands raised during the operation.

Southwest Flight 2094 was diverted to Atlanta and passenger was detained reportedly over a bomb threat.

pic.twitter.com/UfDiqtajMp — Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 7, 2026

Reports later revealed that the situation began after the passenger set a timer on his phone as a reminder for prayer during Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam. Some passengers reportedly became concerned after hearing the alarm and seeing the man praying, which led the crew to treat the situation as a possible security issue.

After the plane landed in Atlanta, federal agents and local police investigated the matter. The Federal Bureau of Investigation later confirmed that there was no credible threat, and authorities said no charges would be filed against the passenger.

In a statement, Southwest Airlines said the diversion was made “out of an abundance of caution” and described the situation as a misunderstanding related to a customer’s behaviour. The airline also apologised to passengers for the delay caused by the incident.

After security checks were completed, travellers were placed on another aircraft and eventually continued their journey to Fort Lauderdale. The incident highlights how misunderstandings during flights can quickly lead to major security responses.