American Airlines flight diverts due to hydraulic issues; FAA investigates

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American Airlines flight diverts due to hydraulic issues; FAA investigates

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By Sky Industry News

May 26, 2025

On May 16, American Airlines flight 1884, traveling from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Orlando International Airport, was diverted to Nashville International Airport due to reported hydraulic issues. The crew communicated their intention to stop on the runway and requested emergency services as a precaution. The aircraft landed safely in Nashville 40 minutes after the decision to divert.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the cause of the diversion to understand the mechanical issue involved. Maintenance teams began inspecting the plane shortly after landing. American Airlines released a statement saying they are working diligently to transport passengers to Orlando as soon as possible.

The Aviation Herald initially reported that AA1884 was en route at FL370 about 60 nautical miles north-northwest of Nashville when the decision to divert was made. An FAA statement confirmed: "American Airlines Flight 1884 landed safely at Nashville International Airport around 1:15 p.m. local time on Friday, May 16, after the crew reported a hydraulic issue."

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FlightAware data shows that the flight departed Chicago at 11:49 CDT and landed in Nashville at 13:18 CDT, taking one hour and 29 minutes. After inspections, the flight resumed its journey, departing Nashville at 18:11 CDT and arriving in Orlando at 20:32 EDT.

FOX 17 quoted an American Airlines spokesperson stating: "American Airlines flight 1884, with service from Chicago (ORD) to Orlando (MCO) diverted to Nashville (BNA) due to a possible mechanical issue. The flight landed safely and is being inspected by our maintenance team." They added, "We're working to get our customers to MCO as soon as possible. We never want to disrupt our customers’ travel plans and we apologize for the inconvenience."

The Boeing 737-800 had 133 passengers and six crew members on board during this incident. Upon arrival in Nashville, passengers received meal vouchers while waiting for further arrangements.

Flight diversions occur for various reasons including technical issues like those experienced by AA1884. Diversions require quick decisions and coordination among flight crews, air traffic control, and ground support teams.

In this case, AA1884 performed an enroute diversion due to a technical issue related to hydraulics but continued its journey after a brief inspection period in Nashville.