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United 777 Diverts to Edinburgh Over Burning Smell, Then Flies Again Two Days Later

Flight-tracking showed the jet operating long-haul routes after the diversion as the cause of the odor remained unconfirmed.

Overview

  • United flight UA949 from London to San Francisco declared a Squawk 7700 emergency about 90 minutes after departure on 4 December due to a burning smell.
  • The Boeing 777-200ER diverted to Edinburgh and landed safely with 162 passengers and 12 crew, with no injuries reported.
  • United said maintenance teams were investigating the source of the odor and that the aircraft would meet safety standards before returning to service.
  • Data from FlightRadar indicates the same aircraft departed Edinburgh for San Francisco on 6 December and subsequently flew additional long-haul sectors.
  • Early reports pointed to a possible brake temperature sensor or electrical issue, though the airline has not confirmed a root cause.