Safety: United Airlines Puerto Rico-bound flight again, makes emergency landing at US Newark Airport

*A United Airlines representative affirms that all 230 passengers and eight crew members aboard the Puerto Rico-bound flight exited the affected aircraft ‘safely after landing’ at Newark Liberty International Airport, in New Jersey, United States

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

For the third time within a few days, another United Airlines flight bound for Puerto Rico morning Saturday, January 26, 2025, made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport, in New Jersey, the United States (US).

The flight had returned to Newark around 10 a.m. after the crew reported a fire alarm in the flight deck, said the officials for the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and Port Authority.

All 230 passengers and eight crew members exited the plane safely after landing, according to a United Airlines representative.

The FAA is continuing to investigate what may have happened, agency report said.

The incident marked the second time flight 2143 was forced to return to Newark Airport after it made an emergency landing last Saturday, agency report said.

How United Airlines’ Washington-bound flight made emergency return to Lagos

ConsumerConnect reports a United Airlines flight bound for Washington, D.C., in the United States (US) Friday, January 24 had returned to its point of origin Lagos, declaring an emergency landing due to reported technical issues.

The Boeing 787-8, en route from Lagos to Washington Dulles International Airport, had 245 passengers, eight flight attendants, and three pilots aboard.

Commenting on the incident, Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, in an update issued Friday, in Lagos, affirmed while all passengers and crew safely disembarked, four passengers and two crew members suffered serious injuries, with 27 passengers and five crew members sustaining minor injuries in the process.

Orah stated: “The United Airlines Boeing 787-800 departed Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, at 23.59 p.m. on Thursday, but made air return and landed safely at 3.22 a.m. Friday.

“On board were 245 adults and 11 crew members.

“The team of Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services, Aviation Medical and Aviation Security were already at the gate when the aeroplane parked for deboarding at D31 without incident, and the door was opened at 3.37 a.m.”

The aviation sector regulatory agency further said: “While all passengers and crew disembarked safely, four passengers and two crew members sustained serious injuries, and additional 27 passengers and five crew members had minor injuries.

“The rescue team responded swiftly and effectively, having been on alert and standby.”

She also noted that the injured passengers were transported to medical facilities, including the MMA Clinic and Duchess Hospital, in Ikeja, while those with minor injuries received first aid and were discharged. According to FAAN, other passengers were accommodated at a hotel.

Orah in the statement, however, confirmed that the United Airlines’ aircraft involved in the incident did not sustain major damage, as she assured of providing Nigerians with further updates as investigations continue.

Flight returns involve ‘different aircraft’, says United Airlines Spokesperson

However, a United Airlines spokesperson says the flights took place on different aircraft in the country.

A representative for the airline shared the following statement with PIX11 News stated: “United flight 2143 returned to Newark Liberty International Airport as a precaution to an alarm sounding in the flight deck.

“The aircraft landed safely and customers deplaned normally at the gate.”

The Spokesperson also assured consumers: “We’ve arranged for a new aircraft to take our customers to San Juan this afternoon.”