Emergency Landing After Fire Warning on United Airlines Flight from Japan to Philippines

Two people were injured after a fire broke out on board a United Airlines flight over Japan

Two people were injured after a fire warning forced United Airlines Flight 32 to make an emergency landing. The flight, en route from Tokyo, Japan, to Cebu, Philippines, reported flames in the cargo hold approximately 50 minutes into the journey.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800 carrying 142 passengers and crew, returned to Kansai International Airport near Osaka, landing safely around 6 a.m. ET. Emergency crews and fire trucks met the plane on the runway, though no visible damage was observed on the exterior of the aircraft.

Two passengers sustained minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Following a thorough inspection, United Airlines reported no signs of an actual fire on board.

“United Airlines Flight 32 from Tokyo-Narita to Cebu, Philippines, diverted to Osaka due to an indication of potential fire in the cargo hold. The aircraft landed safely and passengers deplaned via slides,” the airline said in a statement. The cause of the fire warning remains under investigation.