United Airlines flight makes emergency landing in Dover

A United Airlines plane made an emergency landing at Dover Air Force Base Monday night to repair a mechanical problem, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The Boeing 737 made a safe landing at the base about 7:20 p.m. It was United Airlines flight 1559.

"The flight departed from Newark International Airport and was headed to Palm Beach International Airport when the crew decided to divert to Dover," according to a spokesperson for the FAA.

During the five-hour wait, staff at the Air Force base kept the plane's passengers comfortable.

"Team Dover worked with United Airlines to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers and crew while at Dover AFB," U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Aaron J. Jenne said in an email. "All waited in the installation's passenger terminal, which had access to facilities as well as water and snacks."

The following day, Dallas-bound Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 out of New York made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport with 143 passengers and a crew of five onboard, Southwest said in a statement.

The United flight eventually continued on to its destination in Florida. A new plane was sent to pick up the passengers and took off from Dover just after 1 a.m., according to FlightRadar.

United Airlines released a statement about the flight Tuesday: "Our customers later departed on a different aircraft, arriving in Palm Beach early this morning. We apologize to our customers and have provided a goodwill gesture."

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