United Paris to Washington Flight with 767 Emergency Landing in Shannon

CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) flight UA331, en route from Paris (CDG) to Washington Dulles (IAD), was diverted to Shannon Airport (SNN) after an engine shutdown mid flight. The incident prompted a swift emergency response and safe landing.

The Boeing 767-322ER carried 96 passengers and crew, who were later accommodated in hotels as the flight was canceled for maintenance.

Photo: By Anna Zvereva – https://www.flickr.com/photos/130961247@N06/49735363251/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=88934529

United Airlines Flight Diverted to Shannon

On September 5, 2025, United Airlines (UA) flight UA331, operating a Boeing 767-322ER, encountered a critical issue approximately 2 hours into its journey from Paris Airport (CDG) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

At around 200 kilometers west of Loop Head, Ireland, the crew reported a problem with the aircraft’s No. 2 engine, necessitating an immediate shutdown.

According to The Journal, the crew also noted a potential fuel issue, which further complicated the situation. Declaring an emergency, the pilots rerouted the aircraft, initially heading northeast over County Galway before aligning for an approach to Shannon Airport (SNN).

The decision to divert to Shannon was strategic, as the airport is a well-established diversion point for transatlantic flights due to its long runway, robust emergency services, and proximity to major Atlantic routes.

The crew’s calm coordination with air traffic control ensured a controlled descent and safe landing at 6:38 PM local time.

This incident underscores the aviation industry’s commitment to rigorous safety protocols, as engineers design twin engine aircraft like the Boeing 767 to operate safely on a single engine, a scenario pilots regularly train for.

Emergency Response at Shannon Airport

Upon receiving the emergency declaration, Shannon Airport (SNN) authorities activated a comprehensive response plan.

Clare County Fire and Rescue Service units, along with the airport’s own fire service, mobilized to designated holding points near the runway.

Fire crews from Ennis were initially unavailable due to a road traffic collision, prompting the Limerick City Fire and Rescue Service to deploy an emergency tender. Eventually, Ennis firefighters became available and joined the response.

The National Ambulance Service and Gardaí were also dispatched to provide medical and security support.

As the aircraft landed safely, fire crews closely monitored the jet, accompanying it along the runway to the terminal, where ground crews were on standby.

Officials reported no fire or immediate hazards, and all 96 passengers and crew disembarked without incident.

The swift and coordinated response by Shannon’s emergency services highlights the airport’s critical role as a transatlantic diversion hub, a reputation reinforced by past incidents involving United Airlines flights.

Photo: By © Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons), CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36767130

Passenger Safety Measures

Following the safe landing, United Airlines (UA) canceled flight UA331 to conduct a thorough aircraft maintenance inspection, as stated on their website. The airline arranged hotel accommodations for all passengers and crew overnight in Shannon.

An airline will send a replacement Boeing 767 to arrive at Shannon Airport (SNN) on September 6, 2025, to transport passengers to their final destination, Washington Dulles (IAD).

This aligns with United’s standard protocol for handling diversions, ensuring passenger comfort and safety while addressing mechanical issues.

The reported fuel issue and engine shutdown are under investigation, with no official cause confirmed at this time. Such incidents, while rare, emphasize the importance of rigorous maintenance checks and pilot training.

United designed the Boeing 767-322ER, a reliable workhorse in its fleet, to handle single engine operations, but any engine related issue triggers mandatory inspections to ensure the aircraft is airworthy before returning to service.

Photo: Clément Alloing

United Diversions at Shannon

Shannon Airport (SNN) has a history of serving as a diversion point for United Airlines (UA) flights experiencing mechanical issues.

In April 2022, a United Boeing 767 diverted to Shannon after an oil leak led to an engine shutdown and a subsequent landing gear fire. Similarly, in October 2022, another United flight from London to Chicago diverted to Shannon due to a suspected fuel leak.

These incidents, while unrelated to the current event, demonstrate Shannon’s strategic importance for transatlantic operations and United’s reliance on the airport’s capabilities during emergencies.

The aviation industry mandates that twin engine aircraft experiencing engine failure divert to the nearest suitable airport, prioritizing safety over operational convenience.

Shannon’s infrastructure, including its long runway and advanced firefighting capabilities, makes it an ideal choice for such diversions, ensuring passenger safety and operational efficiency.

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