United Airlines Flight UA770, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (registration N26902), experienced an emergency mid-flight diversion on July 22, 2025. The flight was en route from Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) when the crew declared a general emergency, indicated by squawking 7700, due to a technical issue.
Timeline of Events
- Departure: The flight departed Barcelona at approximately 10:05 AM local time.
- Mid-Flight Issue: Approximately 90 minutes into the flight, the crew identified a technical anomaly and declared a general emergency.
- Diversion Decision: Air traffic controllers cleared a direct route to London Heathrow Airport (LHR), and emergency services were positioned on Runway 27R.
- Emergency Landing: The aircraft landed safely at LHR at 4:55 PM BST without any injuries.
- Post-Landing: Passengers disembarked normally via jet bridge at Gate B44, while mechanics conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft.
Aircraft and Crew Details
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
- Tail Number: N26902
- Crew: 12 crew members were onboard, including pilots and flight attendants.
- Passengers: 257 passengers were aboard the flight.
Passenger Experience
Passengers reported a tense but orderly atmosphere during the diversion. The flight crew maintained clear communication, providing updates and instructions. The cabin remained pressurized, as oxygen masks were not deployed, indicating that the technical issue did not involve cabin pressure.
Post-Incident Actions
Following the diversion, United Airlines arranged accommodations for affected passengers and provided alternative travel options. The airline has not publicly disclosed the specific nature of the technical issue that led to the diversion.