News Summary
An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-900 made a safe emergency landing at San Diego International Airport shortly after takeoff due to a possible bird strike. All passengers and crew were unharmed, and the FAA is investigating the incident. The airline ensured quick recovery for passengers, with no injuries reported. The situation briefly disrupted operations at the airport, but air travel resumed quickly afterward. The incident highlights the importance of safety protocols in aviation.
San Diego – An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-900 safely executed an emergency landing at San Diego International Airport shortly after 1 p.m. on Friday. The incident occurred shortly after the aircraft took off for a flight to Los Cabos, Mexico, and was triggered by a possible bird strike during takeoff.
All passengers and crew members aboard the flight were unharmed, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the event. The swift emergency measures taken ensured a safe resolution, with no injuries reported.
As a precautionary measure, an Alert 2 was issued, signifying that the aircraft was in significant distress. This alert activates emergency protocols at the airport, deploying necessary emergency equipment to a designated location in anticipation of a potential crisis.
Post-incident, Alaska Airlines confirmed that its crew received priority handling, allowing them to manage the emergency effectively. Upon landing, all guests were scheduled on the next available flight to their destination, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to passenger care following such unforeseen events.
The aircraft involved in the incident has been removed from service for thorough evaluation and inspection. Necessary repairs will be conducted before it is deemed fit to return operationally to the skies.
Travelers at San Diego International Airport experienced brief delays due to the incident, with gate hold and taxi times extending between 30 to 45 minutes. However, takeoff and landing operations resumed promptly after a careful assessment of the situation was completed.
This incident highlights the aviation industry’s ongoing commitment to safety and emergency preparedness. Bird strikes are not uncommon in aviation, as birds can collide with aircraft during takeoff and landing phases. However, robust emergency protocols and crew training have been integral in ensuring that passengers and crew remain safe even when difficulties arise.
San Diego International Airport has protocols in place for incidents involving aircraft emergencies, ensuring rapid response to protect the safety of all individuals involved. The FAA is expected to provide further details and findings on the investigation into the incident, contributing to the broader understanding of aviation safety measures in relation to bird strikes.
In summary, Alaska Airlines flight’s prompt emergency landing demonstrates effective crisis management and underscores the importance of stringent safety measures within the aviation sector. As the aviation community reviews this incident, it continues to reinforce its dedication to maintaining high safety standards for air travel.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- Wikipedia: Bird Strike
- 10 News
- Google Search: Bird Strike Aviation
- Fox 5 San Diego
- Google Scholar: Aviation Safety Bird Strike
- Times of San Diego
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aircraft Safety
- CBS 8
- Google News: Airline Incidents

Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.