United Airlines Flight Evacuated at LAX After Engine Fire

Passengers rushed off plane after smoke reported during takeoff

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Passengers were forced to evacuate a United Airlines flight at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Monday after reports of an engine fire on board the aircraft. Flight UA 2127, bound for Newark, had to return to LAX shortly after takeoff when smoke began pouring from the side of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Dramatic footage showed passengers sliding down the emergency evacuation slides and running across the runway to safety.

Why it matters

In-flight emergencies like engine fires can pose serious risks to passenger safety and disrupt air travel. This incident highlights the importance of robust safety protocols and quick response times by airlines and airport authorities to protect travelers when unexpected issues arise.

The details

According to reports, the United Airlines flight had to make an emergency return to LAX after smoke was seen coming from one of the engines. Passengers were quickly evacuated from the aircraft via the emergency slides. One passenger suffered a minor cut to their finger, but no other injuries were reported. The cause of the engine fire is still under investigation by the airline and airport officials.

  • The incident occurred on Monday, March 2, 2026.

The players

United Airlines

A major U.S. airline that operates the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft involved in the incident.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

The airport where the emergency evacuation took place after the United Airlines flight had to return shortly after takeoff.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The cause of the engine fire is still under investigation by United Airlines and the Los Angeles airport authorities.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of strict safety protocols and rapid emergency response procedures at airports to protect passengers when unexpected in-flight issues arise, ensuring their swift and safe evacuation.