United Airlines Flight 1513 Diverts to Washington Dulles After Cabin Fire Reported

Published on April 5, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

On Thursday afternoon, April 3, 2025, United Airlines Flight 1513, a Boeing 737, was en route from Key West International Airport (EYW) in Florida to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey. Approximately 45 minutes into the flight, the crew reported light smoke venting from a galley oven, prompting an emergency diversion. The aircraft safely landed at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) around 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time.

Passenger and Crew Details

The flight carried 98 passengers and five crew members. Following the landing, all passengers deplaned safely at the gate. United Airlines arranged for an alternative aircraft to transport the passengers to Newark later that evening. ​

FAA Investigation Underway

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiated an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the reported cabin fire. The agency’s findings will be crucial in understanding the factors that led to the emergency landing and in implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. ​

Recent Aviation Safety Concerns

This incident adds to a series of recent aviation safety events in the Washington, D.C., area. Just days prior, a flight from Paris bound for Dulles had to return to the airport about 30 minutes after takeoff due to a possible pressurization issue. Additionally, the region remains affected by the tragic midair collision on January 29, which resulted in 67 fatalities.​

The FAA’s ongoing investigations and the aviation community’s commitment to safety protocols are essential in addressing these challenges and restoring public confidence in air travel.