2 United Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing at Ketchikan International Airport, Alaska Leading to Travel Chaos
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
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Two United Airlines flights made unexpected emergency landings at Ketchikan International Airport on Saturday, drawing the attention of local residents and highlighting the airline’s commitment to passenger safety.
The first incident involved Flight 1850, which departed from Denver around 7:30 PM and was en route to Fairbanks. Mid-flight, a passenger experienced a serious medical issue, prompting the crew to divert the plane to Ketchikan. United Airlines does not typically operate flights to or from Ketchikan, leading to a flurry of social media activity from surprised locals witnessing the plane’s arrival.
Rick Hines, Chief of the Ketchikan Fire Department, reported that a 62-year-old male passenger was suffering from chest pains. Upon landing, he was found to be in stable condition and was transported by the city’s fire department to a local hospital. Hines praised the crew’s decision to make the emergency landing, noting that while airlines carry essential medications, they are not equipped to handle advanced medical treatments.
“I think it was a good sound decision to get on the ground, get him to a place where if he was having a heart attack, the hospital could open up those arteries,” Hines remarked.
Shortly after the initial diversion, a second United Airlines plane arrived in Ketchikan. Scott Hildebrandt, a firefighter and technician at the airport, explained that the original flight required additional oxygen to complete its journey to Fairbanks. Attempts to source the necessary oxygen locally were unsuccessful. Fortunately, an empty United Airlines plane on a ferry flight from Anchorage to Houston was able to deliver the required oxygen bottles during a stopover in Ketchikan.
Both planes resumed their journeys by approximately 2:00 AM. Hildebrandt noted that while flight diversions to Ketchikan are rare, they do occur occasionally due to weather conditions or medical emergencies.
The quick and efficient response to these incidents underscores the importance of preparedness and flexibility in the aviation industry, ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers in unforeseen circumstances.
