Sequence & Resolution
Event Date04/30/2026
Level
Incident
CategoryCabin Odour
Flight PhaseCruise
Affected AltitudeFL320
Technical Issue Details
•A United Airlines Boeing 737-900 (N61882) performing flight UA1631 from Newark to Las Vegas was en route at FL320 about 150 nautical miles north of Chicago.
•The flight crew reported an unusual odour in the back of the cabin.
Outcome / Handling
•The crew decided to divert to Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
•The aircraft landed safely on runway 28R approximately 30 minutes later.
•A replacement Boeing 737-900 (N69838) was dispatched to carry the passengers to Las Vegas, arriving with a delay of about 4.5 hours.
Current Status
•The occurrence aircraft (N61882) underwent maintenance inspection and returned to service approximately 24.5 hours after landing.
Flight Information
Flight NumberUA1631
Landing Runway28R (ORD)
Involved AirlineUnited Airlines
Involved FlightUA1631
Replacement AircraftN69838
Delay Duration4.5 hours