Passengers stranded for 16 hours

While en route from New Jersey to Hong Kong, United Airlines Flight 179 got diverted to Goose Bay Airport in Labrador, Canada, for a medical emergency. But what was supposed to be a short stop turned out to be a 16-hour ordeal because of an ensuing mechanical issue with an exit door. The CBC explains that the door malfunction may have been linked to the spat of extreme cold in Labrador — it was minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit on the military base that night.

Four @united tech ops workers trying to fix the right wing emergency exit door of #UA179. A planeful of people is hoping they have better luck than the last set of mechanics and pilots who tried hours ago @United_179 pic.twitter.com/PlC41Rh7qp

— Steven Lau (@unoslau) January 20, 2019

The plane and its 250 passengers landed in Labrador at 10:00 PM and, despite the length of their layover, were not immediately allowed to leave the aircraft due to the lack of customs officers at that time of day. According to Steven Lau, a passenger on flight UA 179, passengers were later allowed to leave in groups of 15-20 to stretch their legs.

I’m free! I’m making a run for it! Labrador here I come! pic.twitter.com/BuCk3amO9c

— Steven Lau (@unoslau) January 20, 2019

While there were some concerns about food during the layover, officials (a bunch of nice Canadians, for sure) brought Tim Hortons coffee, muffins, doughnuts, and sandwiches to the travelers.

A rescue plane landed at the airport at noon the next day, but it took another two hours for the passengers to be bussed to the aircraft.

Its been a long long long long day pic.twitter.com/5Kz9EZpjPf

— SONJAY (@sonjaydutterson) January 20, 2019

Stepped outside to get on bus. The most painful, blistering cold ever. pic.twitter.com/xtLqDOHoBR

— SONJAY (@sonjaydutterson) January 20, 2019

The rescue plane flew passengers back to New Jersey, arriving around 6:00 PM.

United apologized for the incident, and has pledged to do everything possible to make it right with customers. Upon their arrival back in New Jersey, passengers were offered free meals, hotel accommodations, and compensation.

H/T: USA Today

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