Ramadan Prayer Timer Prompts Flight Diversion, But No Threat Found

A Southwest Airlines flight bound for Fort Lauderdale was diverted to Atlanta on Friday night after a misunderstanding involving a passenger’s phone alarm.

Flight 2094 had departed Nashville and was headed to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport when a disturbance led the crew to land at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Video shared on social media showed passengers lowering their heads and raising their hands as law enforcement boarded the aircraft and removed one passenger.

According to reports, the issue stemmed from a passenger who had set a timer on his phone to remind him to pray for Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. The incident sparked concern on board, leading the crew to act out of caution.

The FBI in Atlanta later said there was no credible threat and confirmed that no charges would be filed.

Southwest Airlines said the diversion was caused by what turned out to be a misunderstanding of a customer’s behavior. The airline apologized to passengers for the delay and disruption, while emphasizing that safety remains its top priority.

The incident highlights how quickly fear and confusion can escalate during air travel, especially when passengers or crew misinterpret behavior in a tense environment. In the end, authorities determined there was no danger, and the episode closed without criminal charges.