American Airlines flight to San Diego diverted to Phoenix

PHOENIX - Authorities say a flight heading to San Diego has been diverted to Phoenix.

FBI Special Agent Perryn T. Collier says an American Airlines flight from Dallas, Texas, en route to San Diego landed Sunday afternoon at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Collier did not say what security threat led the flight to land in Phoenix.

American Airlines spokeswoman Michelle Mohr says Flight 362 landed safely shortly before noon and was met by authorities.

Mohr says 179 passengers and six crew members were aboard.

Among the passengers was John Smedly, president of Sony Online Entertainment, reports CBS Dallas.

Also, according to the Dallas Morning News, a hacker group called Lizard Squad tweeted to American Airlines about "reports" of an explosive aboard the flight in an attempt to taunt Smedly. Earlier, the group claimed responsibility for an attempt to hack the Sony Playstation Network.

Smedly tweeted only that the flight was diverted to Phoenix for security reasons. Sony said the incident had been referred to the FBI.

Passengers were still waiting as of mid-afternoon to continue with their travels. Mohr says the airline plans to do their best to re-accommodate travelers and get them to San Diego.

Mohr also referred questions about the security issue to the FBI.