Andrew Spicher, of New York, messes around on his computer as he and several Alyeska-bound friends wait to leave the Kenai Municipal Airport Saturday March 15, 2014 in Kenai, Alaska.

Andrew Spicher, of New York, messes around on his computer as he and several Alyeska-bound friends wait to leave the Kenai Municipal Airport Saturday March 15, 2014 in Kenai, Alaska.

United Airlines flight, diverted to Kenai, safely landed in Anchorage

  • By Rashah McChesney and Kelly Sullivan
  • Saturday, March 15, 2014 6:19pm
  • News

A United Airlines flight that was diverted to the Kenai Municipal Airport Friday evening safely landed at the Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage Saturday afternoon.

More than 100 passengers were stranded in Kenai, many sleeping on the floor of the airport, after a weather diversion and several subsequent issues caused the flight — inbound from Chicago — stay in Kenai for about 18 hours. 

Passengers on the flight spoke of misinformation, frustration and delays as they waited to find out how they would get to their destination. 

“They kept telling us one hour, then another hour, then another hour,” said passenger Nikki Velazquez. 

None of the passengers were allowed to leave the plane for the first four hours as it sat on the tarmac in Kenai. 

Then, while on the tarmac, the pilot reached his quota for working hours, as designated by the Federal Aviation Administration and the flight had to be further delayed until he was legally able to work again. 

According to FAA regulations, the maximum flight time for a pilot during a working day is nine hours, followed by a mandatory 10-hour uninterrupted rest period. 

Passenger Steve Read said by the time everyone was let off the plane, the toilets had begun to back up. 

Once inside the airport the pilots “kind of snuck out the back,” Read said. 

He said he watched one of the pilots decline to make an announcement that he was leaving the premises or provide any information about a future takeoff time.

The last announcements made by United were that transportation and hotel accommodations would be made available for travelers, Read said. 

United Airlines Director of Corporate Communications Christen David said the airline does not have regular service to the Kenai Airport, therefore several of its normal policies and procedures would have been difficult to follow.

“We don’t have staff there,” she said. 


More in News

Member Tom Tougas, far right, speaks during a meeting of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Tourism Industry Working Group in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Tourism working group rejects bed tax, recommends seasonal sales tax adjustment

The document includes a section that says the borough could alternatively leave its tax structure exactly as it is.

The rescued sea otter pup looks at the camera in this undated picture, provided by the Alaska SeaLife Center. (Kaiti Grant/Alaska SeaLife Center)
Stranded otter pup rescued from Homer beach

She is estimated to be around 2 months old and was found alone by concerned beach walkers.

Kenai Peninsula College Director Cheryl Siemers speaks to graduates during the 55th commencement ceremony at Kachemak Bay Campus on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Homer, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Kenai Peninsula College leadership sees temporary transitions

KPC Director Cheryl Siemers is serving as interim UAA chancellor, while former KBC director Reid Brewer fills in her role.

Ash-Lee Waddell (center) of Homer is one of six recipients of the 2025 First Lady’s Volunteer Award at the Governor’s Residence in Juneau, Alaska, on May 13, 2025. Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor
First lady honors Alaska volunteers

Volunteers from Homer and Nikiski were recognized.

The front of the Kenai Police Department as seen on Dec. 10, 2019. (Photo by Brian Mazurek/Peninsula Clarion)
Update: Middle schooler reported missing found after 24-hour search

The student was seen leaving Kenai Middle School at around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The Oceania Riviera stands out against a bluebird sky at the Homer Harbor on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Over 1200 passengers from aboard the boat explored Homer throughout the beautiful day. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
Homer tourism season kicks off with arrival of cruise ships

The first cruise ship of the season arrived April 28 with 930 passengers.

tease
‘Tomorrow — remember you are still a learner’

Kachemak Bay Campus graduated 49 students during its 55th annual commencement hosted on May 7.

Mt. Redoubt rises above Cook Inlet and the Anchor River drainage as fireweed is in bloom, as seen from Diamond Ridge Road on Friday, July 22, 2022, near Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Native plants provide lifeline for local songbirds

Shorebird Festival talk highlights importance of native plants.

Sterling Elementary School students collect trash from the banks of the Kenai River near Bing’s Landing in Sterling, Alaska, during the 10th Annual Kenai River Spring Cleanup on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Cleaning up the mess that’s left behind

Students from six local schools combed for litter during the 10th Annual Kenai River Spring Cleanup.

Most Read