HOUSTON — An American Airlines flight bound for Dallas is making an emergency landing at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) this afternoon following an unspecified in-flight issue over the Gulf of Mexico.
Flight Details
American Airlines Flight AA314, operated by a Boeing 737-800 (Registration: N915AN), departed from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City at 12:20 PM local time. The aircraft was scheduled to land at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
The flight appeared routine for the first hour of travel as the aircraft reached a cruising altitude of 36,000 feet while transiting the Gulf of Mexico.
Emergency Declaration
While over open water, the flight crew transmitted a Squawk 7700 code, the international signal for a general emergency. Following the declaration, Air Traffic Control (ATC) immediately began vectoring the aircraft toward Houston, the nearest major diversion point capable of handling the narrow-body jet.
Current Status:
Diversion Point: Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)Altitude: Descending on approach.Aircraft Type: Boeing 737-800Emergency Code: 7700 (Priority Handling)Response on the Ground
Houston airport authorities and emergency services have been alerted and are standing by to meet the aircraft upon arrival, a standard protocol for “7700” declarations.
American Airlines has not yet released a formal statement regarding the specific nature of the emergency—whether it involves a mechanical malfunction or a passenger medical crisis.
UpdatesThe airline is confirming diversion to IAH.On final approach.The airline is scheduling a departure at 4:44 PM from Houston.Aligned to runway 26L.Touch down at 3:21 PM.The aircraft is met by emergency vehicles at the end of runway.Diverted due to smell of fumes in the cabin according to source.The aircraft is now taxiing followed by firetrucks.