A major holiday travel hub was thrown into disarray on Sunday after a ground stop was issued at Orlando International Airport, causing significant disruption for passengers during a busy weekend.
Incident Details: United Flight 2323 Lands with Issue
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) implemented the temporary halt on all arrivals and departures at approximately 2pm on Sunday. The action was triggered by United Airlines Flight 2323, which had arrived from Chicago and reported a 'mechanical issue' upon landing.
Officials confirmed that the aircraft, carrying 200 passengers and six crew members, was moved to a section of the runway away from the main terminals. Thankfully, no injuries were reported among those on board.
Passenger Evacuation and Operational Impact
In response to the incident, the on-site crew assisted in the safe evacuation of all passengers directly onto the airport's runway. Buses were then used to transport them to the terminal building. An image shared on social media showed the United Airlines jet stationary on the tarmac.
The airport was forced to temporarily stall all operations related to this flight while the situation was managed. The exact nature of the mechanical problem remains unclear, and investigators have not yet determined a cause.
Weather a Potential Factor in Ongoing Disruption
It is also uncertain whether adverse weather conditions contributed to the incident. The state of Florida, along with much of the US East Coast, has been experiencing cold, windy, and rainy conditions due to a passing winter storm, which may have played a role.
The FAA and United Airlines have been contacted for further comment on the incident and the subsequent ground stop, which caused widespread chaos for travellers during a peak holiday period. Updates are expected to follow as more information becomes available.
