An Alaska Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (registration N780HA) has declared an emergency over the Atlantic Ocean after reversing course during its transoceanic flight from Italy to the United States.
Flight AS181 departed Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) at 15:45 CEST, bound for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The aircraft initially completed a routine climb, reaching a cruising altitude of 34,000 feet as it traversed French airspace.
However, approximately two hours into the flight, the aircraft abruptly abandoned its transatlantic trajectory. Flight tracking data shows the wide-body jet executing a sharp U-turn over the southeastern region of the United Kingdom.
Following the course reversal, the flight crew initiated a rapid descent, dropping to 25,000 feet while tracking back over western France. While flying the Atlantic, the crew broadcasted a general emergency by setting the aircraft’s transponder to squawk 7700.
The aircraft has since turned back toward mainland France, where it is performing maneuvers consistent with a fuel-dumping procedure. Long-haul aircraft like the Boeing 787-9 often need to discharge fuel over open water to lower their weight below the maximum structural landing weight before executing an unscheduled landing.
Flight Timeline
| Time (CEST) | Event |
| 15:45 | Flight AS181 departs Rome FCO for Seattle. |
| ~17:15 | Cruising normally at 34,000 feet over France. |
| ~17:45 | Executes U-turn over SE United Kingdom; descends to 25,000 feet. |
| ~18:15 | Crosses over Atlantic coast and triggers squawk 7700 emergency code. |
| Current | Turning back toward France; suspected fuel dumping ahead of diversion. |
An official diversion airport has not yet been confirmed, though aviation analysts suggest Paris or another major European hub are likely candidates. The nature of the emergency remains unknown at this time.
UPDATE 19:39 CEST
We have information the flight is diverting back to Rome FCO due to engine vibration.
UPDATE 19:41 CEST
The airline is scheduling a new departure at 23:00 CEST from FCO.
UPDATE 21:15 CEST
Landed on runway 16R after 5 hours and 30 minutes in the air.
UPDATE 21:25 CEST
Parked on remote stand.
