An Alaska Airlines flight diverted to Missoula after experiencing a cracked windshield. The Boeing 737 landed safely, ensuring the well-being of all on board.

On October 11th, Alaska Airlines flight AS345 departed from John Glenn Columbus International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. It was headed for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport but changed course after a cracked windshield was detected. The pilots acted swiftly to prioritize safety, diverting the aircraft.

Tracking data reveals the flight was cruising at 36,000 feet, approximately 100 miles east of Missoula, when it altered its route. The Boeing 737-900ER, registered as N288AK, touched down on Runway 29 at Missoula Montana Airport at 10:52 local time. Fortunately, all 163 passengers and six crew members remained unharmed during the incident.

At this time, the cause of the cracked windshield remains unclear. Alaska Airlines stated their aircraft features triple-paned windows. This design ensures cabin pressure remains stable even if an outer pane cracks.

After landing in Missoula, the passengers were accommodated on another aircraft. The replacement Boeing 737-900ER, registered as N402AS, departed Missoula at 18:00 and reached Seattle at 18:04. This reroute resulted in nearly seven hours of delay for travelers.

The affected aircraft, a Boeing 737-900ER, entered service with Alaska Airlines in June 2018. Since then, it has accumulated over 22,000 flight hours and completed about 7,000 flight cycles.

Missoula Montana Airport has experienced notable growth recently, offering flights to 14 US destinations. Currently, several airlines serve the airport, including Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, and Delta Air Lines. In 2023, Missoula Airport set a new record by serving over 913,000 travelers, surpassing its 2019 total of 907,000.

Moreover, the airport benefits from a recent $75 million terminal expansion, which opened in June 2022. This expansion aims to enhance passenger experience and accommodate future growth. Additional phases of this project will further modernize the airport by adding more gates and improving baggage claim areas.

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