, the Western Journal , March 15, 2023
A United Airlines international flight was diverted to a Texas airport Saturday because of a medical emergency.
The flight left Guatemala City, Guatemala, at 2:53 p.m., bound for Chicago, the Houston Chronicle reported, citing a statement by United.
The medical emergency developed a few hours later, causing the jet to land at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston around 5:39 p.m., according to the report.
“United did not comment on the nature of the medical situation or whether it affected a pilot, passenger or flight attendant,” the Chronicle said.
Other news reports indicated the emergency did, in fact, involve a flight crew member.
KHOU-TV reported the airline posted a message on its flight status page telling passengers, “We diverted to Houston this evening so our team can address an unexpected crew-related matter. We’re sorry for any inconvenience, and we’ll keep you updated as we get more information.”
The TV station reported the message was later updated, saying, “To get you on your way, we’ve assigned your flight a new crew member that we’re expecting to arrive in time for an 8:00 p.m. departure. We greatly appreciate your continued patience throughout this experience.”
The flight continued and landed at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport at 10:47 p.m., according to the Chronicle.
KPRC-TV contacted the airline and said it was told “United Airlines Flight 2007 was diverted to IAH. It was diverted for a technical and a medical condition.”
A number of other flights have been disrupted recently for medical issues affecting the flight crew.
An American Eagle flight left Chicago on Nov. 26 bound for Columbus, Ohio, but had to return after the captain became incapacitated.
The pilot was transported to a hospital but died there, according to news reports.