A United Airlines flight from Israel had to make an emergency landing in New York on Friday after the plane encountered severe turbulence and several passengers required medical attention.
The flight, which took over ten hours from Tel Aviv to New Jersey, landed at Stewart International Airport in New York after strong winds caused disruptions on board, according to United Airlines.
“United Airlines Flight 85 landed safely at New York Stewart International Airport at approximately 6:45 p.m. local time on Friday, March 29, after the crew reported a passenger experiencing a medical emergency,” the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told USA TODAY. “The Boeing 787 originated in Tel Aviv and was en route to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.”
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Several passengers affected by severe turbulence
While there are multiple reports that between seven and 22 people had to be removed from the United Airlines flight due to injuries, the airline did not confirm the exact number of people who required medical attention.
“One passenger disembarked due to a medical incident and several other customers were evaluated by medical personnel for possible motion sickness,” United Airlines told USA TODAY.
United Airlines Flight 85 was able to refuel and continue its journey to Newark Liberty International Airport.
The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident.
United Airlines flight to Paris diverted to Denver due to engine problem
Another United Airlines flight had to be diverted this week.
Flight 990, en route to Paris from San Francisco International Airport, was diverted to Denver on Thursday evening after the crew reported an engine problem, according to the statement United Airlines emailed to USA TODAY on Friday. After landing safely, passengers disembarked the plane as normal and the flight was canceled.
A United spokesman said the airline was trying to provide flight options for the 273 passengers on board.
Contributor: Julia Gomez, USA TODAY
Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on USA TODAY’s National Trending Team. Ahjané covers breaking news, auto recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X @forbesfineest.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: United Airlines flight diverted to New York due to turbulence, passengers injured
