Engine failure forces United Airlines flight to return to DC-area airport

Smoke rises during an incident involving a United Airlines plane on the tarmac at Dulles International Airport, in Dulles, Virginia, U.S., December 13, 2025, in this still image obtained from social media. HOUMAN HEMMATI/via REUTERS

Dec 13 (Reuters) - A United Airlines flight bound for Tokyo was forced to return to Dulles International Airport in northern Virginia on Saturday afternoon after experiencing an engine failure during departure, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

A United spokesperson said the flight landed shortly after takeoff due to the loss of power in one engine. There were no reported injuries among the 275 passengers and 15 crew members aboard, the spokesperson said.