United Washington to Frankfurt Flight with 777 Makes Emergency Landing in Canada

HALIFAX- Chicago-based carrier, United Airlines (UA) flight UA989 from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) made an Emergency Landing at Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) on Monday, June 11, 2025.

The United Airlines plane remained grounded in Halifax for over 7 hours, drawing complaints from passengers over prolonged tarmac delays and a lack of communication.

Photo: Clément Alloing

United Flight Emergency Landing at Halifax

According to FlightRadar24, United Airlines flight UA989 took off from Washington (IAD) at 22:07 UTC. After being airborne for over two hours and 30 minutes, the flight attendant reported a medical emergency onboard.

Following this, the flight crew decided to divert to the nearby airport, i.e., Halifax (YHZ), Canada.

Passengers initially expected a short 30-minute stopover but ended up remaining on the aircraft for over 7 hours on the tarmac.

The aircraft involved in the incident is an 8.3-year-old Boeing 777-300ER, registered as N2136U.

During the extended delay, several operational complications unfolded. After refueling, the crew reported fuel imbalance issues between the wings, necessitating further adjustments.

The delays caused additional concerns about crew duty limits, raising fears that the pilots and staff might time out while still grounded in Halifax.

Passengers expressed frustration over limited communication, no deplaning opportunity, and a chaotic situation that deteriorated over time.

The airline cancelled the flight following the crew’s duty time limitations.

The United Team replied to one of the Passengers’ queries on X, stating:

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Photo: Cado Photo

Passenger Rights During Tarmac Delays

In the United States, the Department of Transportation (DOT) outlines specific passenger rights for tarmac delays:

• International Flights: Airlines cannot keep passengers on the tarmac for more than 4 hours without offering the chance to deplane, unless due to security or air traffic control concerns.
• After 2 Hours, Airlines must provide food and water.
• Lavatories must remain operable, and medical care must be available.
• Passengers must be given status updates every 30 minutes.

In the European Union, EU Regulation 261/2004 mandates:

• Airlines must provide care (food, drink, communication access) after certain delay thresholds.
• If the delay becomes excessive or the flight is canceled, passengers may be eligible for compensation, rebooking, or reimbursement.
• Compensation depends on whether the delay was within the airline’s control and the nature of the disruption.

Photo: Clément Alloing

Similar Incident

In February 2025, United Airlines flight from New York City (EWR) to Edinburgh (EDI) declared a medical emergency shortly before landing, triggering an urgent response from emergency services on arrival.

Flight UA36, operating between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Edinburgh Airport (EDI), issued a 7700 emergency squawk code, indicating a serious onboard medical situation.

United Airlines Flight UA36 departed from Newark, New Jersey, en route to Edinburgh on its scheduled transatlantic journey.

As the aircraft approached its destination early Monday morning, the crew reported an emergency by broadcasting a 7700 squawk — a universal distress signal used by aircraft to indicate a life-threatening situation.

The signal was transmitted at approximately 9:53 AM local time, prompting swift coordination with ground-based emergency responders. The aircraft continued its descent and landed safely at Edinburgh Airport (EDI), where emergency medical teams were already on standby.

Once on the ground, medical personnel immediately boarded the aircraft to provide care to the affected passenger. While the specific nature of the medical emergency remains undisclosed, officials confirmed that the situation was managed without further incident.

A spokesperson for United Airlines stated, “Upon its scheduled arrival at Edinburgh Airport, United Flight 36 was immediately met by emergency services to assist a customer’s medical situation.”

Sources familiar with the incident noted that the crew’s prompt declaration and the ground team’s readiness ensured timely medical attention for the individual involved.

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