United Express flight returns safely after smoke report

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United Express flight returns safely after smoke report

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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Dec 5, 2024

There were tense moments at Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday when a United Express flight bound for Detroit had to return due to reports of smoke inside the aircraft. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and efforts were underway to accommodate passengers on another flight.

On December 4, the scheduled flight between Newark and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport was operated by United Express via Republic Airways. The crew reported a burning smell, prompting the Embraer E170 plane to turn back. Newark Airport was on full alert in preparation for an emergency landing. The Federal Aviation Administration temporarily halted activity at the airport during this time.

The Port Authority released a statement saying, “Passengers have deplaned and were transported to Terminal C. The FAA temporarily held flight operations during that time. At 5:55 pm, the airspace re-opened with flight activity resuming. United will provide further details.”

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Newark Airport informed passengers through social media about contacting their respective airlines regarding possible delays.

The incident involved an almost 20-year-old Embraer E170 aircraft operated by Republic Airways. This model can seat up to 70 passengers across three classes: economy, economy plus, and business class.

Smoke incidents are taken seriously as they can escalate quickly once airborne. Airlines have protocols in place, and the FAA issues alerts during busy seasons, especially for all-cargo airlines.

In recent months, other smoke-related incidents have occurred on different flights. In September, a JetBlue Airbus A321 diverted to Kansas after detecting cargo smoke from New York to San Diego. In August, another JetBlue flight from Los Angeles to Boston experienced cabin smoke due to a malfunctioning cell phone.

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