A United Airlines flight bound for Hawaii was diverted back to Los Angeles due to a mechanical issue. The incident involved a Boeing 757-300 aircraft, which is part of United's aging fleet scheduled for gradual replacement in the coming years.
On December 31, the flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport (KOA) had to return shortly after takeoff. "According to Flightradar24, the jetliner traveled over the ocean and reached a cruising altitude of 34,000 feet. However, it was soon seen turning around and returning to Los Angeles."
United Airlines confirmed that the plane landed safely at LAX at 12:15 p.m., and passengers were later transferred to another aircraft for their journey. "According to KLTA, United Airlines confirmed that the plane landed back in Los Angeles at 12:15 and a different aircraft was arranged to take the 226 passengers to Kona."