Summary Four United flights to Tokyo were diverted due to a volcanic eruption near Russia. Volcanic ash can prompt engine shutdowns, prompting concern among pilots. United scheduled additional flights to accommodate stranded passengers.
Four United Airlines flights headed to Tokyo were diverted on Saturday due to the eruption of the Shiveluch volcano near Kamchatka Krai, Russia. After diverting, two flights eventually made it to their final destinations, while the other two were canceled. United reportedly scheduled additional flights on Sunday to accommodate the displaced passengers.
Volcanic ash can be a hazard for commercial aircraft as the powdered rock sediment can prompt engines to shut down midflight. From Newark, Washington DC, & Denver Four of United’s 10 daily Tokyo flights were rerouted due to the volcanic activity, according to aviation watchdog JonNYC . The affected flights originated from the carrier’s hubs in Newark, Washington DC, and Denver: UA143 from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Narita Airport (NRT) UA803 from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Haneda Airport (HND) UA79 from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to NRT UA131 from EWR to HND Flight details UA143 was operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner .
According to FlightAware , the flight departed from DEN at 12:17 and flew for nearly six hours before changing course. The aircraft was headed west at 39,000 feet above the southern tip of Alaska around five hours and 42 minu.
