A United Airlines flight headed from Los Angeles to Shanghai turned back over the Pacific Ocean after a pilot forgot passport required for entry into China.
The unexpected mistake forced Flight UA198 to divert to San Francisco on Saturday, delaying hundreds of passengers and adding hours to their journey.
According to United Airlines, the Boeing 787 was carrying 270 people when the crew realized the passport issue mid-flight.
Mid-Air Turnaround Over the Pacific
Flight tracking data shows the aircraft departed Los Angeles International Airport and flew several hours toward Asia before making a U-turn. The plane then diverted to San Francisco International Airport.
United Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement sent to media outlets.
“The aircraft stopped in San Francisco as the pilot did not have their passport onboard,” the airline said.
The airline arranged a replacement crew so passengers could continue their trip later that evening.
Flight tracking information published by FlightAware showed the plane eventually arrived at Shanghai Pudong International Airport shortly after midnight local time.
Passengers Delayed by Several Hours
The unexpected diversion caused the flight to arrive roughly six hours later than scheduled. United said it provided passengers with meal vouchers and compensation for the disruption.
The airline did not disclose how much compensation passengers received.
United also apologized for the inconvenience and said its teams worked quickly to minimize the delay.
Airlines require all crew members to carry valid travel documents when flying international routes. Without a passport, the pilot could not legally enter China.
International travel documentation rules are explained by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which oversees entry and exit requirements for travelers and crew.
Global Travel Disruptions Continue
The incident occurred during a week of widespread disruptions in global air travel.
Travelers across Europe faced major delays after a power outage temporarily shut down operations at London’s Heathrow Airport, the region’s busiest hub.
Airlines worldwide have struggled to manage the ripple effects of those disruptions, which affected flight schedules and passenger connections.
For the 270 travelers on Flight UA198, a forgotten passport turned what should have been a routine trans-Pacific trip into an unexpected detour over the Pacific Ocean.