UNITED AIRLINE FLIGHT FROM JAPAN TO US WITH OVER TWO HUNDRED PASSENGERS DIVERTED TO ANCHORAGE DUE TO MID-FLIGHT FUEL LEAK
By Clara Morrison, Aviation Correspondent
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA — A United Airlines transpacific flight carrying over two hundred passengers was forced to make an emergency landing in Anchorage, Alaska late Friday night after pilots detected a mid-air fuel leak nearly halfway across the Pacific Ocean.
Flight UA168, a Boeing 777-200ER en route from Tokyo Narita International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport, departed Japan at 4:55 p.m. local time. Approximately four hours into the ten-hour journey, the flight crew noticed a rapid and unexplained drop in fuel levels in one of the aircraft’s main tanks. The flight, carrying 212 passengers and 11 crew members, diverted course and landed safely at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport at 2:37 p.m. local time.
“Sudden drop in fuel levels” prompts swift action
United Airlines issued a brief statement shortly after the incident, confirming that the decision to divert the aircraft was made “out of an abundance of caution” after pilots identified what appeared to be a “significant discrepancy” in onboard fuel readings.
“Our flight crew acted quickly and in accordance with established safety protocols,” the statement read. “All passengers and crew are safe and accounted for. The aircraft landed without further incident and was met by emergency responders as a precaution.”
FAA officials in Anchorage later confirmed that the aircraft’s left wing tank was losing fuel at an “abnormal rate,” raising serious concerns about the integrity of the tank or one of its feed lines. Maintenance crews began inspection procedures within an hour of the plane’s landing.
Passenger accounts of mid-air uncertainty
Several passengers onboard described a tense but orderly scene as the cabin crew announced the diversion. For many, the moment marked a jarring shift from the routine rhythm of an international flight.
“I had just started watching a movie when the captain came on and said we were going to be landing in Anchorage due to a possible fuel leak,” said Michael Jenkins, a 38-year-old marketing consultant traveling home to Los Angeles from a business trip in Tokyo. “People looked around at each other. There was silence. I think everyone knew it wasn’t something minor.”
While the crew did not indicate immediate danger, the announcement prompted widespread unease in the cabin.
“We didn’t know what to think,” said 27-year-old Emily Park, a Japanese-American dual citizen seated in economy class. “Some people prayed, some texted their families — I even saw one guy writing what looked like a goodbye message on his phone. But the flight attendants stayed calm, and that helped.”
According to multiple passengers, the aircraft maintained stable flight throughout the diversion. There was no noticeable turbulence, and the plane never lost cabin pressure. The pilot reportedly updated passengers every 30 minutes, explaining the situation in measured tones.
Emergency services on alert
Emergency responders in Anchorage were placed on high alert ahead of the plane’s arrival, preparing for potential scenarios ranging from fuel fire to hydraulic failure. A convoy of fire engines, ambulances, and ground crews surrounded the aircraft upon landing.
“Fuel leaks can present a number of risks,” said aviation safety expert Greg Hanley, a former FAA investigator. “The danger isn’t just running out of fuel mid-air — it’s the possibility of a fire or explosion, especially near hot engine components.”
Fortunately, there were no visible signs of fire or external damage to the aircraft, and the passengers disembarked calmly via mobile staircases approximately 40 minutes after landing. The aircraft was towed to a secure area of the tarmac for detailed inspection.
Investigation underway
A preliminary investigation by United’s maintenance team and FAA representatives is focused on a possible rupture in the aircraft’s fuel feed system, though no official cause has been confirmed.
“There are numerous potential points of failure — valves, pumps, pressure regulators,” said Hanley. “What matters is that the flight crew recognized the issue early enough to respond safely. That’s a testament to training and experience.”
The aircraft in question, a Boeing 777-200ER with tail number N777UA, is nearly 18 years old and has undergone regular maintenance. United Airlines confirmed that its most recent heavy maintenance check was conducted in late 2023.
Boeing has been notified of the incident, and a spokesperson for the aircraft manufacturer stated they are “in close contact” with United and the FAA as the situation develops.
Passengers stranded, but grateful
For many of the passengers, the unscheduled layover in Anchorage has brought logistical headaches — but few are complaining.
“We’re stuck in Alaska, sure, but I’d rather be alive in Alaska than the alternative,” said Jenkins with a laugh. “It’s cold, but the hotel they gave us is warm and the staff have been great.”
United Airlines has arranged accommodations for all passengers, with most being placed in nearby hotels. The airline has also provided meal vouchers and is working to rebook passengers on flights to their final destinations as early as Saturday morning.
“United was really responsive,” said Park. “They made sure families with kids got help first, and they had people on the ground waiting for us when we landed. It could’ve been a lot worse.”
A sobering reminder for the industry
The incident is the latest in a series of mechanical issues that have affected major carriers in recent months, prompting renewed calls for tighter oversight of aging aircraft in commercial fleets.
Aviation watchdog groups have pointed out that while modern aircraft are incredibly safe, deferred maintenance or overlooked system wear can pose serious risks when flights stretch thousands of miles over open water.
“Fuel leaks are rare, but they’re not unheard of — especially on long-haul routes where aircraft are pushed to their limits,” said Hanley. “The takeaway here is that safety systems worked. The crew made the right call, and everyone’s going home.”
Back in the skies soon
United Airlines confirmed late Friday that a replacement aircraft is en route from San Francisco to pick up the passengers and complete the journey to Los Angeles. Flight UA168 is expected to resume travel Saturday morning, weather permitting.
As for the passengers, many were found in the hotel lobby this morning, sipping coffee and trading stories — a strange but memorable chapter in their journey.
“Things like this remind you just how fragile it all is,” said Jenkins. “But also how well we’re taken care of when something does go wrong. Hats off to the crew. They probably saved our lives.”