United Airlines Boeing plane forced into emergency landing at LAX by ‘engine fire’

A United Airlines passenger plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport after reportedly suffering an engine fire Monday.

United Flight 2127 took off from LAX for Newark, New Jersey on Monday morning but was forced to turn back within an hour with a smoking engine, according to reports.

About 180 passengers were evacuated, with only minor injuries. Some other flights were temporarily grounded.

A spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration said: “United Airlines Flight 2127 returned safely to Los Angeles International Airport around 11:20 a.m. local time on Monday, March 2, due to a left engine issue. Passengers deplaned on a taxiway.

“The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was heading to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The FAA will investigate.

“Please contact the airline and airport for additional information.”

It is the latest in a string of problems with Boeing planes over the last few years, ranging from a sudden mid-air hatch blowout to fatal crashes that killed hundreds of people.

In June 2025 a Boeing Dreamliner operated by Air India ploughed into the ground moments after liftoff, killing all but one of the 242 people aboard.

This story is breaking and will be updated.