United Flight Diverted After ‘Biohazard’ Causes Crew and Passengers to Fall ill

A United Airlines flight experienced a dramatic and unsettling diversion on Sunday morning after an onboard “biohazard” left both crew members and passengers in distress.

Flight 2477, which was en route from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Boston, was forced to make an emergency landing in Washington, DC, after a severe situation unfolded onboard.

The incident began when a passenger became ill, prompting an urgent response. The situation rapidly deteriorated as the illness led to a biohazard scenario, causing crew members to vomit and passengers to request masks. According to radio communications from the flight, the severity of the situation was such that the pilots decided to request a diversion.

“I talked to the crew and it sounds like it’s quite bad back there. The crew is vomiting, and passengers all around are asking for masks,” one crew member reported, reflecting the gravity of the onboard crisis.

Upon landing at Washington Dulles International Airport, the aircraft underwent a thorough deep cleaning to address the biohazard. United Airlines confirmed that the plane departed Washington-Dulles at 5:17 p.m. local time the same day, following the extensive cleaning process.

While specific details about the ill passenger’s condition remain undisclosed, United Airlines reported that none of the 155 passengers or six crew members required medical assistance upon landing. The airline indicated that the situation was managed effectively, with no further health issues reported.

The term “biohazard” typically refers to biological substances that pose a threat to human health. In aviation, this can involve a range of issues from contagious illnesses to bodily fluids contaminating the cabin environment. The exact nature of the medical emergency remains unclear, but the swift response and subsequent actions ensured the safety and well-being of all onboard.

United Airlines has not released additional information about the passenger’s condition or the specifics of the biohazard.