New York Joins Chicago, Las Vegas, Houston, and Miami in Spree of Shocking Emergency Landings—You Won’t Believe What Happened!

Published on December 4, 2025

Between January 2021 and November 2025, airports in New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, Houston and Miami handled millions of flights. A small fraction faced emergencies requiring quick decisions by pilots and air‑traffic controllers. Official reports released by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and state authorities show that most of these events involved precautionary returns because of engine problems, smoke or passenger disturbances. This article uses only government or officially verified reports to summarise the emergency landings in these five metropolitan areas.

New York State and New York City

New York’s busiest airport experienced several precautionary landings in 2025. On 25 February 2025 JetBlue Flight 967 diverted to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) en route from Westchester County to Palm Beach. The Airbus A320 crew reported an engine issue; the flight landed safely and the FAA began an investigation[1]. Later that summer, multiple New York departures encountered engine difficulties. On 13 August 2025, JetBlue Flight 547, an A320 headed for Orlando from Long Island MacArthur, returned to JFK about 2:45 p.m. when the crew reported a possible engine problem[2]. Six days later, Air France Flight 9, a Boeing 777 bound for Paris, returned to JFK about 2:15 a.m. after the flight crew reported a possible engine issue[3]. On 2 September 2025, Republic Airways Flight 4379, a regional Embraer E175, turned back to JFK roughly 30 minutes after departing LaGuardia for Nashville because of engine issues[4]. These precautionary returns highlight how crews and controllers prioritised safety when sensing abnormal engine indications.

Earlier, New York also experienced a notable general‑aviation emergency. On 20 December 2024, a twin‑engine Beechcraft BE95 lost power and landed on Interstate 87 near Bethlehem, New York (north of New York City). According to the FAA, the pilot reported an engine issue and safely landed on the road; three people were on board and the FAA launched an investigation[5]. The event, widely shared on social media, showed how pilots may use highways as emergency landing strips when airports are out of reach.

Chicago

Chicago’s airspace, anchored by O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway, saw a series of unusual events in 2025. The year began with ground incidents. On 1 February 2025 a United Airlines Boeing 777 operating as Flight 27 from Denver to London landed at O’Hare and, while taxiing, the crew reported smoke in the cabin. Passengers deplaned normally and the FAA opened a probe[6]. The same day, another statement noted that Air Wisconsin Flight 6181 struck a tug while approaching a gate at O’Hare; passengers were bused to the terminal and investigators looked into the mishap[6]. A week later, on 8 February 2025, American Airlines Flight 1979 made headlines when its Boeing 737 struck the tail of United Airlines Flight 219 while both aircraft were taxiing at ORD around 9:50 a.m. The FAA reported no injuries and launched an investigation[7]. On 12 February 2025 United Airlines Flight 1879, a Boeing 737‑800 headed for Los Cabos, returned to O’Hare about 10:20 a.m. after the pilot reported a possible fire in the flight deck[8].

Bird strikes and runway incursions also triggered precautionary actions. On 2 March 2025 United Airlines Flight 2481, an Airbus A320 bound for Syracuse, returned to O’Hare around 6:50 p.m. because the crew suspected a bird strike shortly after take‑off[9]. Twenty‑three days later, on 25 February 2025, a Southwest Airlines 737 at Midway aborted its landing and performed a go‑around when a business jet inadvertently entered the runway; the FAA noted that the airliner landed safely after the jet cleared[10].

Chicago also saw emergency landings involving general aviation and regional jets. On 10 March 2025, a Robinson R44 helicopter made an emergency landing on the Jackson Park Golf Course near Lake Michigan. The FAA reported that the helicopter landed around 6:20 p.m. with three people aboard and opened an investigation[11]. On 22 August 2025, Air Canada Flight 1705, an Airbus A321 traveling from Toronto to Las Vegas, diverted to O’Hare about 10:30 p.m. because of a passenger disturbance; the aircraft landed safely and the FAA began a review[12]. Later, on 3 September 2025, a Gulfstream G150 corporate jet overran the runway at Chicago Executive Airport at 12:30 p.m. Two people were aboard, and the FAA stated that its engineered materials arresting system (EMAS) at the runway end safely stopped the jet[13].

In autumn 2024, Chicago experienced several engine‑related incidents. On 21 October 2024, JetBlue Flight 811 ingested debris into an engine while taxiing at O’Hare; the crew shut the engine down and the Airbus A320 was towed to the gate[14]. A few days earlier, on 17 October 2024, American Airlines Flight 47 reported an engine issue while taxiing to the gate, prompting passengers to deplane normally[15]. On 3 October 2024, Republic Airways Flight 3707, an Embraer 175, returned to O’Hare about 8:20 p.m. after the crew reported possible smoke in the cockpit[16]. On 26 September 2024, United Airlines Flight 231, a Boeing 787‑9 bound for London, landed safely at O’Hare after the crew reported a flight management system problem[17]. Together, these events underscore how Chicago’s two major airports and its general‑aviation fields responded to a broad range of emergencies with no reported serious injuries.

Las Vegas

Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas serves as a major hub for leisure travelers. On 10 July 2025, Southwest Airlines Flight 4563, a Boeing 737 headed for Tulsa, returned to Harry Reid around 7:50 a.m. because the crew reported possible engine issues; the FAA said the plane landed safely and would be inspected[18]. Earlier that summer, on 25 June 2025, American Airlines Flight 1665, an Airbus A321 bound for Charlotte, returned shortly after departure when the flight crew reported an engine problem. The FAA reported that the aircraft landed safely and no injuries occurred. General aviation incidents also occurred: a Robinson R44 helicopter struck a parked vehicle and crashed while landing at North Las Vegas Airport on 9 March 2025; the FAA reported three people on board[19]. Two months later, on 27 May 2025, a Cessna 172 landed off the runway at the same airport; the pilot—the sole occupant—was uninjured and the FAA opened an inquiry.

A widely reported event occurred on 5 October 2024 when Frontier Airlines Flight 1326 (Airbus A321) made an emergency landing at Harry Reid International Airport after smoke entered the cockpit during climb out. According to an FAA statement cited by aviation reporters, the aircraft landed at 4:20 p.m., the cabin was evacuated and the FAA and NTSB initiated investigations[20]. These incidents illustrate how engine issues and smoke were recurring themes in Las Vegas emergency landings.

Houston

Houston’s two commercial airports—George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby—handled several emergencies. On 3 September 2025, a CommuteAir Embraer E145 operating as Flight 4969 returned to IAH around 2:15 p.m. after the crew reported smoke in the cockpit while en route to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. The FAA reported that the aircraft landed safely and opened an investigation[21]. On 2 February 2025, United Airlines Flight 1382, an Airbus A320 bound for New York’s La Guardia, aborted its take‑off at IAH around 8:35 a.m. because of an engine issue; passengers deplaned on the runway and were bused to the terminal[22]. A month later, on 3 March 2025, Southwest Airlines Flight 733, a Boeing 737 at William P. Hobby Airport, reported a passenger disturbance before pushback, resulting in a delay while authorities responded[23].

Houston also experienced unusual incidents in 2024. On 9 October 2024 Mesa Airlines Flight 6078, a regional Embraer 175, landed safely at IAH around 1 p.m. after the crew reported electrical and navigational problems; the flight originated from Austin and the FAA launched an investigation[24]. The same month, on 20 October 2024, a Robinson R44 helicopter struck a radio tower and crashed in Houston around 8 p.m.; the FAA and NTSB investigated the accident[25]. These events show that Houston’s airspace confronted both commercial and general‑aviation emergencies, yet, according to official reports, there were no fatalities.

Miami

Miami International Airport (MIA) faced fewer high‑profile emergencies during the period but still recorded significant events. On 24 January 2025, American Airlines Flight 1300, a Boeing 737‑800 bound for the Cayman Islands, returned to MIA around 11:45 a.m. after the crew reported an electrical smell in the cabin; the FAA reported that the aircraft landed safely and would be inspected[26]. Two weeks earlier, on 10 January 2025, Eastern Air Express Flight 2241, a smaller passenger aircraft, reported a fire‑indicator light while parked at MIA around 1:15 p.m. Passengers evacuated via the stairs and were bused to the terminal[27].

The most serious accident during the 2021‑2025 timeframe occurred on 21 June 2022, when Red Air Flight 203, a Dominican Republic–based MD‑82, landed at MIA and the left main landing gear collapsed. The NTSB found that ineffective maintenance of the shimmy damper led to structural failure, causing the aircraft to depart the runway and catch fire. All 130 passengers and ten crew members evacuated; four passengers suffered minor injuries[28]. This incident underscores the importance of maintenance oversight and emergency response coordination. Another notable case came on 19 January 2024, when an Atlas Air Boeing 747‑8 cargo plane returned to Miami after an engine fire. According to a Reuters report quoting FAA and NTSB statements, a post‑flight inspection revealed a hole above the engine, prompting investigations by both agencies[29].

Conclusion

From 2021 through November 2025, emergency landings in New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, Houston and Miami were relatively infrequent given the volume of flights. Nevertheless, official reports reveal patterns: most incidents involved engine issues, smoke or unusual smells, highlighting the sensitivity of modern aircraft systems and the prudence of crews who choose to return or divert when something appears wrong. Bird strikes, passenger disturbances and runway incursions also prompted precautionary actions. The Red Air landing gear collapse in Miami and the Gulfstream overrun at Chicago Executive demonstrate that mechanical failures can still occur despite layers of safety. In every case summarised here, the coordinated efforts of pilots, air‑traffic controllers, emergency responders and airport operations ensured that passengers and crew were brought to safety. Government investigations following each incident aim to identify root causes, encourage maintenance improvements and refine emergency procedures, contributing to the continuous improvement of aviation safety.

Reference List

1. FAA statements on aviation accidents and incidents (CommuteAir Flight 4969, 3 Sept 2025)[21].
2. FAA statements (Gulfstream G150 overrun at Chicago Executive, 3 Sept 2025)[13].
3. FAA statements (Republic Airways Flight 4379 engine issue at JFK, 2 Sept 2025)[4].
4. FAA statements (Air Canada Flight 1705 passenger disturbance at O’Hare, 22 Aug 2025)[12].
5. FAA statements (Air France Flight 9 engine issue, 19 Aug 2025)[3].
6. FAA statements (JetBlue Flight 547 engine issue, 13 Aug 2025)[2].
7. FAA statements (Robinson R44 helicopter landing at Jackson Park Golf Course, 10 Mar 2025)[11].
8. FAA statements (Robinson R44 crash at North Las Vegas Airport, 9 Mar 2025)[19].
9. FAA statements (Southwest Airlines Flight 733 disturbance at Houston Hobby, 3 Mar 2025)[23].
10. FAA statements (United Airlines Flight 2481 bird strike, 2 Mar 2025)[9].
11. FAA statements (Southwest Flight 2504 go‑around at Midway, 25 Feb 2025)[10].
12. FAA statements (JetBlue Flight 967 engine issue at JFK, 25 Feb 2025)[1].
13. FAA statements (United Airlines Flight 1879 fire indicator, 12 Feb 2025)[8].
14. FAA statements (United Airlines Flight 1382 aborted take‑off at IAH, 2 Feb 2025)[22].
15. FAA statements (United Flight 27 smoke and Air Wisconsin Flight 6181 tug collision at O’Hare, 1 Feb 2025)[6].
16. FAA statements (American Airlines Flight 1300 electrical smell at Miami, 24 Jan 2025)[26].
17. FAA statements (Eastern Air Express Flight 2241 fire indicator at Miami, 10 Jan 2025)[27].
18. FAA statements (American Airlines Flight 1979 collision with United Flight 219 at O’Hare, 8 Jan 2025)[7].
19. FAA statements (Beechcraft BE95 landing on Interstate 87, 20 Dec 2024)[5].
20. FAA statements (JetBlue Flight 811 engine debris ingestion at O’Hare, 21 Oct 2024)[14].
21. FAA statements (American Airlines Flight 47 engine issue at O’Hare, 17 Oct 2024)[15].
22. FAA statements (Mesa Airlines Flight 6078 electrical issues at Houston, 9 Oct 2024)[24].
23. FAA statements (Robinson R44 helicopter crash in Houston, 20 Oct 2024)[25].
24. FAA statements (Republic Airways Flight 3707 smoke in cockpit at O’Hare, 3 Oct 2024)[16].
25. FAA statements (United Airlines Flight 231 flight‑management issue at O’Hare, 26 Sep 2024)[17].
26. AvHerald/FAA report (Frontier Airlines Flight 1326 smoke event, 5 Oct 2024)[20].
27. NTSB investigation report (Red Air Flight 203 gear collapse at Miami, 21 Jun 2022)[28].
28. Reuters report quoting FAA and NTSB (Atlas Air cargo flight engine fire, 19 Jan 2024)[29].