IDAHO- A midair disturbance aboard an Alaska Airlines (AS) Flight 1057 from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Dallas Love Field (DAL) on Tuesday morning (October 14, 2025) forced an unscheduled landing in Boise, Idaho, after a passenger allegedly assaulted two flight attendants.
According to the airline, the crew decided to divert the aircraft to Boise following what it described as a “security incident” involving a disruptive passenger. Law enforcement officers met the aircraft on arrival, and the individual was taken into custody.
Alaska Airlines Passenger Assaults Crew
Authorities later identified the passenger as 61-year-old Tracy Barkhimer from White Salmon, Washington.
The Boise Police Department reported that Barkhimer displayed erratic behavior during the flight, striking two crew members who were attempting to de-escalate the situation. Cabin crew members, supported by passengers, restrained her until the aircraft safely landed.
Upon arrival, officers boarded the plane, and Barkhimer was formally placed under arrest. According to the police statement, both assaulted flight attendants were evaluated by paramedics at the gate and cleared to continue duty.
Alaska Airlines confirmed that the remainder of the journey resumed after a delay of approximately 90 minutes.
Legal Action and Airline Response
Online jail records show Barkhimer faces two counts of misdemeanor battery under Idaho law. She was released later that day after posting a $600 bond, with her initial court appearance scheduled for early November.
Alaska Airlines has permanently banned her from future travel with the carrier.
In a public statement quoted in CBS News, the airline reiterated its zero-tolerance stance toward disruptive or violent behavior on board:
At Alaska Airlines, the safety and well-being of our guests and employees remain our top priority……We do not tolerate any form of violence or aggression against our crew members
The incident adds to a growing number of passenger-related disruptions reported across U.S. airlines this year, prompting renewed discussions about in-flight safety and enforcement of federal penalties for unruly behavior.
Rise in Unruly Incidents
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data indicates that while reports of disruptive passengers have declined since pandemic-era peaks, serious assault cases continue to concern airlines and regulators.
Industry groups have called for stricter enforcement, including lifetime bans across carriers for passengers convicted of onboard violence.
In a similar case earlier this year, a Kansas man faced federal charges after allegedly dragging an American Airlines (AA) flight attendant during a domestic flight.
Such incidents have intensified calls for stronger collaboration between airlines, law enforcement, and the FAA to ensure passenger and crew safety.
Bottom Line
The diversion of Alaska Airlines Flight 1057 to Boise underscores the ongoing challenges airlines face in handling midair disturbances.
Swift crew action, combined with coordinated law enforcement response, ensured passenger safety and minimized disruption.
As authorities pursue charges, the case reinforces the industry’s firm stance that any violence toward aviation personnel will not be tolerated.
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