United Airlines flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles diverted due to medical emergency

A United Airlines flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles diverted to Brisbane today after declaring an emergency mid-flight. The Boeing 787-9 'Dreamliner,' operating United Airlines flight UA99, departed Melbourne on schedule but was forced to turn back just under three hours into its journey.

A United Airlines spokesperson informed Simple Flying, "On April 11th, United flight 99 from Melbourne to Los Angeles diverted to Brisbane to address a medical issue with a passenger. We have rebooked customers on a later flight and are providing hotel accommodation and meal vouchers."

The aircraft remains grounded in Brisbane, with concerns about crew hours potentially affecting its continued journey. Flightradar24 data shows that the diversion occurred southwest of New Caledonia, with the flight issuing the 7700 emergency squawk code, which requires immediate assistance. Social media users suggested a medical emergency as the reason for the diversion.