Alaska Airlines 737-900ER Returns to Seattle After Pressure Loss

Seattle (ANN) — An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-900ER experienced a cabin pressurization failure shortly after departure June 3, 2025, forcing an emergency return to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Flight 825, registered N462AS and bound for Kahului, Hawaii, reported the issue at approximately 34,000 feet.

Passengers reported oxygen masks deploying and a loud whooshing sound before the crew initiated a rapid descent to 9,000 feet. The aircraft landed safely on Runway 34R around 11 a.m. local time, roughly 90 minutes after takeoff. Federal Aviation Administration officials confirmed all passengers and crew disembarked without injuries.

The FAA has launched a formal investigation into the pressurization failure. A replacement Boeing 737-900ER continued the flight to Hawaii later that day while the affected aircraft undergoes inspection at Sea-Tac. The incident adds to ongoing industry scrutiny of Boeing 737 pressurization systems following a separate rapid decompression event in early 2024.