Sun Country flight makes emergency stop in Texas, passengers stranded overnight
Pranjal Chandra | Mar 06, 2025, 10:25 IST
( Image credit : AP )
A Sun Country Airlines flight from Minneapolis to Mazatlán was diverted to El Paso, Texas, due to a security concern. Passengers disembarked safely and were accommodated overnight as authorities investigated the situation, emphasizing that the diversion was a precautionary measure to ensure safety.
A routine Sun Country Airlines flight from Minneapolis to Mexico took an unexpected turn Wednesday when a security concern forced an unscheduled landing in El Paso, Texas. Passengers aboard Flight 593, originally bound for the coastal city of Mazatlán, found themselves grounded overnight as authorities investigated the situation.
While the airline has not disclosed the specific nature of the security threat, officials emphasized that the diversion was a precautionary measure. “The plane diverted to El Paso out of an abundance of caution in response to a security concern,” Sun Country Airlines said in a statement. “The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers disembarked safely.”
For many travelers, the diversion turned what was supposed to be a quick getaway into an unexpected and stressful detour. “We were about halfway through the flight when the captain announced that we would be landing in El Paso,” said Mark Jensen, a passenger who was heading to Mexico for vacation. “Nobody really knew what was going on, and it was pretty tense.”
Another traveler, Emily Rodriguez, described confusion as the plane made its descent. “We all just looked at each other, wondering what was happening. Then when we landed, we saw law enforcement vehicles and realized it was something serious.”
The FBI’s El Paso office confirmed its involvement in the response, though details remained scarce. “At approximately 4:15 p.m. MST, FBI El Paso was notified by our partners at El Paso International Airport and the FBI’s National Threat Operation Center of a diverted airplane heading to El Paso, Texas, from Minneapolis,” Special Agent in Charge John Morales said in a statement. “Personnel from our office responded to the airport to assist our partners and ensure the safety of the passengers and flight crew.”
As law enforcement assessed the situation, passengers were left waiting for further instructions. Sun Country Airlines worked to accommodate travelers overnight, providing lodging while they awaited updates. “We are working with law enforcement to fully investigate the situation and assess the validity of the concern,” the airline said.
Despite the disruption, some passengers took the delay in stride. “Of course, it’s frustrating, but I’d rather be safe than sorry,” said Jensen. “The airline put us up in a hotel, so at least we had somewhere to stay.”
Others, however, voiced concerns about the lack of immediate information. “I just wish we had been told more,” Rodriguez added. “We were left wondering for hours what was happening and whether we’d be able to continue our trip.”
Sun Country Airlines has assured passengers that efforts are underway to get them to their final destination as soon as possible. The airline did not specify when a new flight to Mazatlán would be arranged, but passengers were hopeful they could resume their travels by Thursday.
Meanwhile, federal authorities continue their investigation into the security concern that led to the diversion. The nature of the threat remains unclear, but officials emphasize that passenger safety was the top priority.
For now, travelers are left with an unexpected story to tell about their journey—one that, while inconvenient, ultimately ended without harm. “At the end of the day, everyone is safe,” said Rodriguez. “That’s what matters.”
While the airline has not disclosed the specific nature of the security threat, officials emphasized that the diversion was a precautionary measure. “The plane diverted to El Paso out of an abundance of caution in response to a security concern,” Sun Country Airlines said in a statement. “The aircraft landed without incident, and all passengers disembarked safely.”
For many travelers, the diversion turned what was supposed to be a quick getaway into an unexpected and stressful detour. “We were about halfway through the flight when the captain announced that we would be landing in El Paso,” said Mark Jensen, a passenger who was heading to Mexico for vacation. “Nobody really knew what was going on, and it was pretty tense.”
Another traveler, Emily Rodriguez, described confusion as the plane made its descent. “We all just looked at each other, wondering what was happening. Then when we landed, we saw law enforcement vehicles and realized it was something serious.”
The FBI’s El Paso office confirmed its involvement in the response, though details remained scarce. “At approximately 4:15 p.m. MST, FBI El Paso was notified by our partners at El Paso International Airport and the FBI’s National Threat Operation Center of a diverted airplane heading to El Paso, Texas, from Minneapolis,” Special Agent in Charge John Morales said in a statement. “Personnel from our office responded to the airport to assist our partners and ensure the safety of the passengers and flight crew.”
As law enforcement assessed the situation, passengers were left waiting for further instructions. Sun Country Airlines worked to accommodate travelers overnight, providing lodging while they awaited updates. “We are working with law enforcement to fully investigate the situation and assess the validity of the concern,” the airline said.
Despite the disruption, some passengers took the delay in stride. “Of course, it’s frustrating, but I’d rather be safe than sorry,” said Jensen. “The airline put us up in a hotel, so at least we had somewhere to stay.”
Others, however, voiced concerns about the lack of immediate information. “I just wish we had been told more,” Rodriguez added. “We were left wondering for hours what was happening and whether we’d be able to continue our trip.”
Sun Country Airlines has assured passengers that efforts are underway to get them to their final destination as soon as possible. The airline did not specify when a new flight to Mazatlán would be arranged, but passengers were hopeful they could resume their travels by Thursday.
Meanwhile, federal authorities continue their investigation into the security concern that led to the diversion. The nature of the threat remains unclear, but officials emphasize that passenger safety was the top priority.
For now, travelers are left with an unexpected story to tell about their journey—one that, while inconvenient, ultimately ended without harm. “At the end of the day, everyone is safe,” said Rodriguez. “That’s what matters.”