Flight From Minneapolis Bound For Mexico Diverted To Texas For 'security Concern'

Multiple recent US plane crashes investigated by NTSB

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating multiple deadly plane crashes, including ones in Alaska, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

A commercial plane flying out of Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to Mexico was diverted to Texas Wednesday due to a "security concern", airline officials said.

Sun Country Airlines told USA TODAY Flight SY593, bound for Mazatlán International Airport was diverted "out of an abundance of caution in response to a security concern."

According to the online site Flight Aware, which tracks flight paths, the flight departed from Minneapolis at 2:21 p.m.(CT) and landed in El Paso at 4:25 p.m. local time.

The aircraft landed without incident, an airline official said, and passengers deplaned safely and were provided overnight accommodations.

"We are working with law enforcement to fully investigate the situation and assess the validity of the concern," the airline released in a statement Thursday morning. "We apologize to our passengers and all those affected by this situation, but safety and security are our highest priorities."

It was not immediately known what the concern was, but CBS News and ABC News reported that the FBI responded to the scene on Wednesday night and said agents found "no threat to the safety of the passengers, flight crew or the airplane."

"Thank you to our partners with Sun Country Airlines, El Paso Police Department, Sun Metro, and El Paso International Airport for assisting us with the diversion and helping make the passengers feel safe at the airport," John Morales, FBI El Paso special agent in charge, told CBS News. "FBI El Paso wants to thank the 156 passengers for your patience as our team conducted interviews to determine the circumstances behind the reported security concern."  

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.