Passenger Assaults Cabin Crew on Alaska Airlines Flight 1057, Emergency Landing in Boise

Published on October 19, 2025

An Alaska Airlines flight from Portland to Dallas was forced into an emergency landing in Boise, Idaho, after a passenger assaulted two flight attendants mid-air. The unsettling incident occurred on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 1057, which had taken off from Portland International Airport, Oregon. This dramatic event highlights the increasing concern over passenger safety and behavior during air travel.

Details of the Incident

Flight 1057, a routine flight bound for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, was cruising at a height of about 30,000 feet when the situation took a violent turn. According to the Boise Police Department, the passenger in question, Tracy Barkhimer, a 61-year-old woman from White Salmon, Washington, began acting erratically during the flight.

Barkhimer reportedly struck two flight attendants who were attempting to calm her down. The altercation occurred in the cabin, where other passengers witnessed the distressing scene. The flight crew, trained for in-flight disruptions, quickly intervened and restrained Barkhimer, preventing further escalation.

The flight crew made the decision to divert the plane to Boise Airport, as the safety of the passengers and crew members was at risk. The flight, which was supposed to land in Dallas, made an emergency landing at approximately 3:30 PM local time. Despite the tense situation, the plane landed safely, and there were no reported injuries to other passengers.

Arrest and Legal Action

Upon landing, Boise Airport emergency services and law enforcement officers immediately boarded the aircraft to take control of the situation. Tracy Barkhimer was arrested and escorted off the plane. She was charged with two counts of misdemeanor battery for assaulting the flight attendants. Barkhimer was taken to the Ada County Jail and later released after posting a $600 cash bond.

Barkhimer is set to appear in court in early November to face the charges. While the authorities did not provide further details about her behavior or motive, it is evident that her actions created a serious disturbance on board the flight.

Response from Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines responded quickly to the incident, offering a statement in which the airline reiterated its firm stance on passenger conduct. “At Alaska Airlines, safety is our number one priority, and we do not tolerate violence of any kind against our employees,” the airline said in its statement.

The airline also confirmed that the two flight attendants who were assaulted were assessed by medical personnel and were cleared to continue working. Alaska Airlines has stated that Barkhimer has been permanently banned from flying with the airline due to her violent behavior. This action reflects the airline’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for both passengers and staff.

In addition to the emotional and physical toll on the flight attendants involved, the incident caused a significant delay. Flight 1057 was grounded for about 90 minutes while the situation was resolved, which delayed the flight’s continuation to Dallas.

Impact on Passengers and Broader Concerns

The incident on Flight 1057 serves as a stark reminder of the challenges airlines face when it comes to ensuring in-flight safety. With air travel seeing a significant increase in passenger numbers post-pandemic, incidents of passenger misconduct, ranging from verbal abuse to physical altercations, have also been on the rise.

While rare, violent incidents on planes have led to heightened concern in the aviation industry. In this case, the flight crew’s quick thinking and calm response prevented what could have been a more catastrophic situation. Airline staff undergo rigorous training to handle disruptive passengers, but with more flights operating at full capacity, the likelihood of such events occurring may increase.

This event also highlights the importance of maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for violent or aggressive behavior aboard planes. Airlines are working to ensure that passengers are aware of the consequences of such actions. In addition to possible criminal charges, passengers can be banned from flying with specific airlines or face lifetime travel bans.

Ongoing Airline Safety Efforts

In response to incidents like the one on Flight 1057, airlines have been ramping up efforts to prevent and respond to in-flight disturbances. Many airlines are investing in advanced training for cabin crew members to deal with potential threats, from aggressive passengers to medical emergencies. In addition, airlines and airports are also looking into more effective ways of screening passengers and monitoring behavior before boarding, including the use of behavioral analysts at key touchpoints.

Additionally, law enforcement and government agencies continue to examine how they can assist airlines in preventing in-flight disturbances. As the aviation industry evolves, the role of safety officers and law enforcement will likely continue to grow, ensuring that flight crews are equipped to manage these situations without putting passengers and crew members at risk.

Conclusion

The emergency landing of Alaska Airlines Flight 1057 and the subsequent assault of flight attendants is a troubling reminder of the challenges faced by the aviation industry in maintaining a safe and secure environment for all passengers. While incidents of this nature are rare, the increase in such cases in recent years calls for heightened awareness and strict enforcement of safety protocols.

Thanks to the quick action of the crew and the swift response of law enforcement, the situation was contained without significant injury. However, this event also serves as a call to action for airlines to continue improving safety measures to ensure that both passengers and staff are protected from in-flight disruptions. As air travel continues to return to pre-pandemic levels, ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone on board will remain a top priority for airlines around the world.