United Express flight returns safely after smoke report

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.”