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Global aviation news tracker
Global aviation news tracker

United 737 emergency landing after a cargo-fire alert forced a diversion to Kansai International Airport on September 12, 2025.
United Airlines Flight UA32, a Boeing 737-800 registered N39297, was en route from Tokyo Narita (NRT) to Cebu when the cockpit received a cargo-hold fire alert. The crew declared an emergency and diverted to Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka, touching down safely at about 7:30 p.m. local time on September 12, 2025.
Passengers were evacuated via slides; two people suffered minor injuries during the evacuation and were treated on site. Ground crews inspected the cargo compartment and found no evidence of fire. Authorities report the alert likely came from a faulty sensor, though formal causes remain under investigation.
Japanese and U.S. aviation investigators have opened probes, coordinating with United Airlines and local airport authorities. The aircraft involved, a B737-800, will undergo detailed maintenance checks and sensor testing. United has also reviewed crew procedures and made temporary operational adjustments across its Asia-Pacific network while investigators work.
The incident highlights how reliable sensors and quick crew responses combine to keep passengers safe. United’s timely diversion and the successful, orderly evacuation prevented injuries from becoming more serious, but the event will likely prompt checks across similar aircraft types and routes until investigators release final findings.