On November 11, 2026, Alaska Airlines Flight 322, operating a Boeing 737-900ER from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, was diverted to Yakima Air Terminal in central Washington due to severe wind storms. The aircraft landed at Yakima at approximately 9:25 pm after aborting its approach to Seattle amid treacherous weather conditions.
Upon landing in Yakima, ground crews discovered a mechanical issue involving a faulty fuel indicator during refueling. This fault grounded the aircraft for the remainder of the night, preventing any immediate departure. More than 120 passengers and crew were aboard the flight at the time of
diversion.
Federal carrier guidelines categorize weather-related diversions as exempt from mandatory hotel voucher provisions. Alaska Airlines classified this diversion under that policy, informing passengers that hotel accommodations would not be provided. This decision came despite the late hour and challenging circumstances at the regional airport.
All local hotels and rental car agencies near Yakima Air Terminal were closed and inaccessible when the flight landed. This left passengers and crew with no viable means of transportation or lodging away from the terminal facilities. The terminal itself offered limited space for an overnight stay.
Emergency Response Activated in Yakima
Christopher Hopkins, Director of Yakima Air Terminal, quickly
recognized the need for emergency assistance. He stated, “We realised quickly that with over 130 people stranded and local hotels completely inaccessible at that hour, we needed immediate emergency intervention to maintain basic comfort and safety.” Public safety concerns prompted the airport to seek help from local authorities.
Tony Miller, director of the Yakima County Office of Emergency Management, coordinated with the American Red Cross to deliver emergency aid. The Red Cross dispatched transport units loaded with cots, blankets, infant formula, and drinking water to the terminal. Horizon Air, Alaska Airlines’ regional partner, provided emergency meal provisions for the stranded
passengers and crew. Local volunteers and emergency personnel assisted with distributing supplies and caring for vulnerable travelers overnight.
Passengers Spent Overnight on Red Cross Cots at Yakima
With the aircraft grounded due to the fuel indicator fault, passengers and crew were accommodated inside the terminal on Red Cross cots arranged on the floor. No commercial lodging or transportation options were available throughout the night. The emergency response aimed to prevent a humanitarian crisis by providing meals, warmth, and basic necessities during the prolonged delay.
A senior aviation passenger rights advocate commended the community response, stating, “The prompt mobilisation of community resources by county emergency managers and the Red Cross
prevented a difficult weather diversion from escalating into a severe humanitarian breakdown.” The collaborative effort ensured the safety and comfort of over 130 people in an otherwise vulnerable situation.
Maintenance Team Arrives; Flight Departs After 16-Hour Delay
Engineering personnel from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport traveled to Yakima by road, arriving on Sunday morning to assess and repair the faulty fuel indicator. The Boeing 737-900ER was cleared for flight shortly before midday after the maintenance work was completed.
Following the nearly 16-hour delay, Alaska Airlines Flight 322 departed Yakima Air Terminal at 2:02 pm on November 12, 2026, continuing its journey to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The incident has prompted renewed
discussion on airline responsibilities and passenger rights in complex weather and mechanical delay scenarios.
