Southwest Airlines flight returns after passenger altercation

Passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight from Phoenix, Arizona to Columbus, Ohio experienced a delay after an altercation between two passengers led to the aircraft returning to its origin. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff on Monday night, December 23rd.

Flight WN1699 departed Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at 19:01, operated by a Boeing 737-700. Less than twenty minutes into the flight, it turned back and returned to Phoenix due to the reported onboard dispute. A Southwest Airlines spokesperson confirmed the return was "after a reported altercation on board." The airline apologized for the inconvenience caused to passengers.

Upon landing in Phoenix around 20:30, police met the aircraft at the gate. According to authorities, both involved passengers were uncooperative. One passenger was removed from the plane before it took off again later that night without any arrests made. A statement from a spokesperson for the Phoenix Police Department noted that "neither passenger was cooperative with the criminal investigation."