Little impact seen on RDM flights as airlines inspect 737 MAX-9 planes following in-flight panel blowout

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Alaska Airlines says it had to cancel at least 160 flights Saturday because its Boeing 737 MAX-9 planes are undergoing inspections after a mid-cabin "door plug" fell out Friday on a flight from Portland to Ontario, Calif., prompting an emergency return to PDX.

The Federal Aviation Administration ordered all of those planes grounded until they are carefully inspected.

Alaska said 18 of its aircraft that were operating Saturday after such inspections had been pulled from service again “until details about possible additional maintenance work are confirmed with the FAA.” It said Saturday night the disruption is expected to last “through at least mid-week.” United Airlines also reported dozens of flight cancellations related to inspections of the 737 MAX-9.

But relatively few flights out of Redmond Airport use that newer-model plane at present, according to airport Director Zachary Bass, making up a total of 11 departures this month, or 2% of the total flights, so the impact is expected to be minimal.

"We are still awaiting any more news from Alaska Airlines to see if those 11 flights will be affected," Bass told NewsChannel 21 Saturday afternoon.