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United Flight Diverts to Heathrow After Crew Declares In-Flight Emergency

The unexplained alert adds to recent United diversions that have drawn extra attention to emergency procedures.

Overview

  • A United Airlines Boeing 767 from Zurich declared a general “squawk 7700” emergency about 50 minutes into the flight and diverted to London Heathrow on Tuesday.
  • The aircraft landed safely at Heathrow and was met by fire engines and emergency response teams after the alert.
  • United has not confirmed the cause or the number of people on board, and reporters said the airline had been asked for comment.
  • Squawking 7700 is a code pilots use to signal a broad emergency, which gives the flight priority and puts airport crews on standby as a precaution.
  • Unverified social posts suggested a small onboard device fire, a claim that remains unconfirmed, and the incident follows an April 18 United diversion to Pittsburgh that prompted law-enforcement searches.