Two United Airlines flights operating between Chicago O’Hare and Zurich faced separate crises on the same day, resulting in diversions due to a pilot’s illness and a crew member’s injury.
Pilot Illness Forces Flight Diversion
The first incident occurred on flight UA12, en route from Zurich to Chicago. Shortly before takeoff, the pilot fell ill and was deemed unfit to fly. Rather than canceling the flight, United Airlines opted for an alternative solution. The aircraft was diverted to Halifax Airport in Nova Scotia, Canada, where a new pilot team took over to complete the journey to Chicago.
Crew Member Injury Prompts Emergency Landing in Gander
While UA12 was heading to Halifax, another United Airlines flight, UA3, was en route from Chicago to Zurich. After crossing the Canadian coastline, a serious injury to a flight attendant forced the crew to make an emergency landing.
UA3 landed in the small town of Gander in Newfoundland and Labrador. Gander is historically significant for hosting numerous diverted flights during the U.S. airspace closure following the 9/11 attacks. Its hospitality to over 7,000 stranded passengers inspired the Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away.
United Airlines’ Response and Alternate Arrangements
United Airlines canceled the Zurich-bound flight UA3, rerouting passengers and the aircraft back to Chicago early Monday morning. For those traveling on UA12, alternative flights were provided to ensure passengers reached their destinations in time for the Christmas holiday. Despite an eight-hour delay, UA12 passengers arrived in Chicago the same day.
In a statement, United Airlines attributed the disruptions to “unexpected operational challenges” and assured passengers of their commitment to resolving the situation promptly.
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