MIDAIR SCARE

U.S.-Bound Flight Declares Emergency Over Europe

The airline said the crew detected a mechanical issue shortly after takeoff.

An Alaska Airlines flight bound for Seattle was forced to turn back to Rome after the crew detected a mechanical issue shortly after takeoff and declared an emergency to receive priority handling from air traffic control. Flight 181 landed safely back in the Italian capital on Sunday, with the airline stressing there was “no emergency on landing” despite the declaration. After inspecting the Boeing 787, the airline determined the five-year-old plane required additional maintenance and canceled the flight, leaving passengers scrambling to adjust their travel plans. The incident comes just months after Alaska launched seasonal nonstop service between Seattle and Rome, a new international route operating daily through late October. The carrier did not immediately disclose the nature of the mechanical issue, but said the emergency declaration was made solely to secure priority assistance from air traffic controllers while returning safely to the airport.