Shannon – United Airlines (UA) Boeing 767-300 (ER) Jet made an emergency landing today (February 8, 2024) at Shannon Airport (SNN) following the medical emergency declaration on its transatlantic journey.
The aircraft, operated as a flight UA53 from Zurich (ZRH) to Washington (IAD), carried 151 passengers and crew at the time the incident occurred.
United Flight Emergency Landing
According to Journal.ie, the emergency occurred about two hours later when the aircraft was deployed from 80 km from Ireland’s southwest coast.
The flight crew quickly established contact with the Irish air traffic controller, declared a medical emergency and requested clearance for an emergency landing at Shannon Airport.
Shannon Airport Authority launched emergency response protocols when it received notification of incoming aircraft. The National Ambulance Service mobilized emergency medical resources to meet flights upon arrival.
Due to overweight landing conditions on the aircraft, the firefighters at Shannon Airport have been deployed in strategic positions along the runway, adhering to standard safety procedures.
The initial plan required stuck passengers to resume their exchange journey from London, but United Airlines then cancelled the continued flight.
The cancellation adds even more complexity to the chaotic journey as passengers are waiting at Shannon Airport.
Overweight landing
United Airlines flights made a safe landing at Shannon Airport at 1:35pm, with airport fire trucks escorting the aircraft from touchdown to terminal locations. Emergency response teams, including ambulance ambulance personnel and airport staff, were waiting for the aircraft to arrive at the terminal.
Airport Firefighters conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft’s bottom curve, examining the braking system for potential overheating, particularly from overweight landings. The firefighters remained in position alongside the aircraft for a long period of time after a touchdown.
National ambulance services personnel arrived at the scene, both in ambulances and quick-response vehicles. The medical team evaluated and treated the affected passengers and transferred them to Limerick, University Hospital, for further medical consultations.
Airport staff pointed the remaining passengers to the transport lounge after the depletion was made. United Airlines initially planned to deploy replacement aircraft from London to continue its journey, but this emergency plan faced cancellations. The rescheduled departure, originally set at 7pm, was also cancelled.
United Airlines has now arranged overnight hotel accommodations for stuck passengers. The revised travel plans show passengers will resume their trip to Washington on Sunday evening, indicating a significant delay in their travel schedule.
Similar incidents
Earlier this week, United Airlines aircraft declared a medical emergency during its final approach to Edinburgh Airport, and activated emergency protocols for flight UA36 from Newar Liberty International Airport. The flight crew sent an emergency school code of 7700 at 9:53am, warning ground management to emergency medical situations on board.
Boeing aircraft maintained a scheduled approach path to Edinburgh, and ground emergency services were mobilized to respond immediately. It was coordinated with local emergency services to ensure rapid deployment upon arrival of the aircraft.
Medical responders boarded the aircraft shortly after landing and attended the affected passengers. A representative from United Airlines confirmed the incident and said emergency services had met flight UA36 on scheduled arrival at Edinburgh Airport and UA36 to deal with passenger medical conditions.
The 7700 Squawk Code, an internationally recognized signal for emergencies, has triggered automatic emergency response protocols at Edinburgh Airport. The ground crew and medical teams strategically positioned around designated arrival gates to minimize response times.
Featured Images by Clément Alloing | Flickr
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