Has this occurred to you before? You’re seated on a plane, excited to arrive shortly… But suddenly the word comes: The airplane must be diverted to another airport! It’s both frustrating and tiresome. Our Guider will discuss how this might happen when a United Airlines flight UA770 emergency diversion, what your airline is required to do in such a situation, and whether you’re eligible for reimbursement.

What exactly happened during the United Airlines emergency landing?

A normal transatlantic flight from Barcelona to Chicago recently took an unexpected turn. When Flight UA770 makes an emergency diversion in midair. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is registered N26902. The airplane was forced to make an unforeseen deviation from its intended itinerary. It made an unexpected landing at London Heathrow Airport.

We report on another terrifying incident when United Airlines flight UA770 emergency diversion. On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the crew of a flight coming from Barcelona reported a technical issue on board to the air traffic control center. This circumstance required an immediate detour to London Heathrow Airport.

Why are planes diverted?

Flight diversions can occur for a variety of reasons. A common one is the weather. Whether it’s a storm or an ash cloud, if the weather conditions at the destination or on the scheduled flight path are so terrible that continuing on the planned route will jeopardize your safety, the airline may opt to divert the aircraft.

Technical issues with the aircraft can also cause flight diversions. If such a problem arises during the flight, the pilot may decide to divert to another airport to remedy the issue. Flight diversions may sometimes be required for political reasons, such as an airspace restriction, a night flight prohibition, or civil upheaval at the destination.

What are airlines required to do in the case of a flight diversion?

There is no right to compensation if the delay or diversion is caused by unusual circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as severe weather or political unrest. Exceptions are available in the event of a medical emergency.

My entitlement to recompense.

Of course, a flight detour might cause you to arrive at your planned location substantially later than expected. Then, under aviation laws, you may be legally entitled to a refund. You would have to be three hours or more late for this to happen, as the same restrictions apply to any other aircraft delay.

Passenger rights on diverted flights

For example, a flight from Barcelona to Chicago is diverted to London Heathrow Airport, Berlin, with a several-hour delay. In this situation, the passenger is entitled to reimbursement based on the flight distance. They can also request alternative transportation from the alternate airport, as well as food and, if necessary, hotel accommodations, if the diversion results in lengthier wait periods.

The airline is responsible for informing passengers of the diversion and their rights, as well as providing any required help. Passengers should keep all receipts and papers in order to file any claims.

When there are no claims.

If an airline is forced to divert a flight due to unusual circumstances beyond its control, it may not be obligated to provide compensation or to compensate passengers. However, the airline must demonstrate that it made all reasonable measures to avoid a delay at the destination airport.

When it comes to flight diversions, there are several situations that might be regarded as unusual. Night flying prohibitions, natural calamities like volcanic eruptions or tornadoes, political instability like terrorist attacks, and collisions with birds or other foreign objects are only a few examples. Unexpected conditions, such as a sick passenger or airport personnel strikes, are also deemed unusual.

Bad weather is an excuse.

When an airline blames an issue on the weather, it is not necessarily accurate. This can occasionally be used as a justification for not paying compensation. As a passenger, you should investigate whether you are entitled to compensation if another aircraft flies as planned under these conditions.

For example, if the essential de-icing fluid is absent during a sudden cold snap, the airline may be held liable if it fails to get it promptly.

It’s crucial to remember that not every weather situation automatically qualifies as an extreme circumstance—the burden of proof is on the airline, not you. To escape culpability, the airline must establish persuasively that unusual circumstances rendered the previously scheduled flight impracticable.

What do I have to do to receive my compensation?

One item is very crucial when it comes to proving that you are entitled to compensation or a refund in the case of a delay caused by a flight diversion.

Keep all receipts and bills, and make a record of when you were told, what information you received, and where you arrived. For example, take photographs of flight information boards. Obtain formal confirmation from the aircraft or ground crew regarding the cause of the diversion and other details.

Compensation regardless of extraordinary circumstances?

When consumers seek compensation for flight delays or cancellations, airlines frequently argue that “extraordinary circumstances existed.” Many airlines use this excuse to avoid paying legally required compensation. However, this is not always acceptable, and not all claims can withstand judicial examination.

Are you entitled to compensation despite a strike, inclement weather, or technological difficulties? We explain when unusual circumstances occur and when the airline is still compelled to pay.

What constitutes unusual circumstances in the event of a flight diversion?

Extraordinary circumstances are occurrences beyond the airline’s control that result in a detour. Extreme weather circumstances, natural catastrophes, terrorism alerts, medical crises, strikes by airport personnel or air traffic controllers, and bird strikes are some examples. In such scenarios, the airline may be excused from reimbursement under specific circumstances.

Who must prove the extreme circumstances?

If an airline uses unusual circumstances to reject compensation under the Air Passenger Rights Regulation, it carries the whole burden of proof. This implies that the airline must demonstrate beyond a reasonable doubt that unusual circumstances occurred, such as extreme weather, a bird attack, or an officially mandated airspace closure.

But it is not enough. The airline is also required to establish that it took all reasonable steps to avoid the delay or cancellation. This includes promptly rebooking the customer on a substitute aircraft or alternate itinerary.

Air traffic controllers’ responsibilities during emergencies

Air traffic controllers play a critical role in controlling air emergencies. Their capacity to respond quickly and accurately to unforeseen occurrences is critical for aircraft safety.

• Continuous monitoring: flight traffic controllers monitor all flight traffic and are the first to be notified of any issues on board.
• Coordination: They also work closely with the pilots to establish the best course of action, whether an emergency landing or a diversion.
• Traffic management: During an emergency, residual air traffic is diverted to avoid crashes and maintain the impacted flight path clear.
• Information flow: You guarantee that all pertinent information is promptly transmitted between the crew, the airport, and the emergency services.

Effect on aviation traffic around Tenerife

While the issue was being handled, air traffic control made critical judgments to ensure the ongoing safety of air traffic.

• Holding positions: The other flights in the area were directed to take up holding positions south and west of the island.
• Risk minimization: The goal of this measure was to reduce additional risks and keep the skies clear.

These preemptive efforts reflect air traffic controllers’ dedication to maintaining airspace safety at all times. And eliminating possible threats through coordinated traffic management.

Aviation safety: A continuous effort

This tragedy highlights the need to maintain high safety standards in aviation. Technical problems can occur at any time. But sophisticated safety systems and strong personnel training ensure that such incidents are handled appropriately. The rapid and easy handling of this incident demonstrates the efficiency of these systems and processes. It demonstrates that passengers can rely on flight safety.

The whole thing again, briefly about the United Airlines flight UA770 emergency diversion

In essence, aircraft diversions are inconvenient and unexpected for passengers. However, airlines are required to cover some expenses, such as transportation, lodging, and food.

Passengers on solely diversionary flights without delays are typically not eligible to compensation unless unusual circumstances arise. Passengers who are delayed for three hours or more may be eligible for compensation based on the length of their flight.

As a passenger, it’s important to understand your rights and determine if you are entitled to compensation if the airline refuses to pay. We’re pleased to assist you with this, such as with our guidance in our blog article on flight diversion!