United Airlines flight returns to Dulles after engine failure

United Airlines flight returns to Dulles after engine failure
Smoke rises during an incident involving a United Airlines plane on the tarmac at Dulles International Airport, in Dulles, Virginia, U.S., 13 December, 2025
Reuters

A United Airlines flight heading to Tokyo was forced to return to Washington Dulles International Airport shortly after takeoff on Saturday after an engine failure, prompting an investigation by U.S. aviation authorities.

The aircraft, United Flight 803, departed Dulles in northern Virginia but turned back soon after losing power in one engine, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. A United spokesperson said the Boeing 777-200 landed safely and there were no injuries reported among the 275 passengers and 15 crew members on board.

Images and videos shared on social media platform X showed smoke rising near the runway at Dulles, which lies about 40 kilometres from Washington, D.C. Airport officials later confirmed the situation was brought under control.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said a piece of the aircraft’s engine cover separated during departure and caught fire, triggering a small brush fire on the airport grounds. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said the fire was quickly extinguished.

The FAA said it will investigate the incident. United Airlines added that the flight to Tokyo will be rescheduled later on Saturday using a different aircraft.

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