Hawaii-bound flights have experienced several operational issues recently, with the latest involving United Airlines flight UA-2307. On November 25, 2024, this Denver-to-Lihue flight encountered a flap malfunction during its final approach. The issue left the flaps stuck at 15 degrees, forcing a go-around and resulting in a higher-than-usual landing speed on the second attempt. Emergency services stood by as the aircraft touched down safely on Lihue’s 6,500-foot runway.
The 30-year-old Boeing 757-200 landed without injury, but the incident raises fresh questions about United’s aging fleet servicing Hawaii. Upon arrival, emergency crews inspected the brakes and flaps, following standard protocols for such malfunctions.
Why didn’t they divert to HNL?
One question from readers: Why didn’t the flight divert to Honolulu International Airport, which has a 12,360-foot runway? Longer runways provide more safety margin for high-speed landings caused by issues like flap malfunctions. To make these decisions, pilots consider multiple factors, including fuel levels, air traffic control advisories, and weather conditions. In this case, Lihue’s shorter runway was deemed suitable, confirmed by a pilot friend, and the crew handled the situation professionally.
Understanding flap malfunctions.
Flaps are critical during landings, helping aircraft increase lift and decrease speed. When they malfunction as they apparently did in this case, the plane must approach and land faster than usual. This requires precision and often emergency standby crews to mitigate risks. George K. noted, “Flap malfunctions typically require a thorough inspection after landing to ensure full safety before returning the aircraft to service.”
In UA-2307’s case, the flaps remained extended until the plane reached the gate, where maintenance crews conducted further evaluations. These inspections, while routine, highlight the ripple effects of even minor mechanical issues.
United’s growing pattern of Hawaii flight issues.
This third mechanical problem involves United’s Hawaii flights in just two months. In October, two hydraulic system failures occurred on the same Denver-Lihue route. With the flap malfunction added to the list, questions about the reliability of United’s 757 fleet are intensifying.
Read: Two Hydraulic Diversions In One Month, Same United Hawaii Route.
Boeing 757s are well-known for their range and ability to operate on shorter runways, making them ideal for Hawaii routes. However, the fleet’s age—some planes are now three decades old—is increasingly apparent. Airlines like United have struggled to modernize their fleets as demand for newer aircraft continues to outpace supply. As these planes remain in service, the frequency of mechanical incidents grows.
Is fleet modernization the answer?
Replacing aging aircraft isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. Airlines face supply chain issues and soaring demand for new planes, delaying modernizing fleets. While United’s maintenance standards remain high, mechanical issues like this underscore the need for a long-term strategy.
For Hawaii travelers, these incidents add uncertainty to an already complex trip. Researching the aircraft type servicing your route may provide insight, though airlines often swap planes at the last minute. Travelers can also use tools like flight trackers to stay informed.
Why these incidents matter to travelers.
Flying to Hawaii presents unique challenges. Long overwater stretches and remote geography leave little room for error when mechanical issues arise. Incidents like UA-2307’s flap malfunction highlight the operational pressures on airlines and the importance of well-maintained fleets for routes critical to Hawaii tourism.
Such issues can disrupt travel plans, leading to delays or diversions. While UA-2307’s crew ensured a safe landing with minimal impact, these events serve as reminders of the complexities of Hawaii-bound travel.
Looking ahead at Hawaii-bound flights.
As the aviation industry evolves, United’s reliance on its aging 757 fleet for Hawaii routes raises tough questions. Beat of Hawaii editors, frequent users of this route, have experienced delays and cancellations tied to mechanical issues on these aircraft.
Passenger safety remains paramount to the airlines as reliability concerns are nonetheless mounting. Airlines must balance immediate operational needs with long-term investments in fleet renewal as availability allows, to maintain confidence, particularly on high-demand routes like those to Hawaii.
We welcome your comments.
Beat of Hawaii photo. United 757 lie-flat business class review.
Hat tip: Aviation Herald.
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Another United issue 12/2
UA1112 today…
Your flight is canceled because we needed to take the plane out of service to address a technical issue. Your safety is our priority and we’re sorry for the inconvenience.
Operated by United Airlines, Boeing 737 MAX 8
Thats actually good news. They once again confirmed that their priority is always safety. So much for the comments about “old” aircraft And there were probably seats available on other UA flights that were minimally inconvenient.
Well, there is your problem. It was a 737 MAX aircraft. Why anyone would still willingly fly on those unsafe pieces of junk is mind boggling
If given the opportunity I will always fly on a 757 – one of the most comfortable planes in the air. I will miss these awesome wide bodies when they’re gone. Much more comfortable in the cabin and in the air then an Airbus will ever be.
The A330 is quite comfortable as is the A321
When you select the flight go to the details prior to selecting the purchase option. It will display the airplane type. example airbus A330,A321, Boeing 737-800,717,787 and such. How many people knew they were being flown on a 30 year old aircraft. Parts just don’t fail. They fail for a reason. Just watch the show Mayday.
Right because a 30 year old aircraft isn’t maintained in any way shape or form right? Like all things mechanical, things break from time to time. The age of the aircraft has nothing to do with it
The airplane worked as it was supposed to. There is a system called flap asymmetry trip. And flap askew both systems locks the flaps out to keep the flaps at the same position so it dose not start rolling from out of sync flaps . One wing flaps lower than the other . The 757 is an awesome safe airplane age is not an issues if there maintained . It’s just people who do not know airplanes report this. I was a mechanic on a cowboy charter on a 757 and we had a flap askew flaps locked out. We landed safely . To unlock them you have to be on ground and bring. Them up electrical. That resets the system.
As light as they, probably were, they may not have even warmed up the brakes. T/R’s were certainly used as early as possible. CAS keeps track of brake temps. Where I worry is when the aircraft isn’t operated by a mainline US airline. Tires that are past their prime are susceptible to blowing in these situations. And unfortunately they don’t get replaced as often on the lower tier airlines. (A)blown tire on a 757 isn’t going to cause a problem but more than one can. Again, that has nothing to do with the age of the aircraft as you pointed out. Sensationalizing these routine situations is not professional journalism IMHO.
757 gets the job done, and nothing more. Hawaii is a premium destination—shouldn’t the planes match that?
Chris D. Get over it. “Premium” means nothing. Todays’ traveling public buys tickets based on three parameters. Price, price and you guessed it … Price.
After flying on a United 787 recently, stepping onto a 757 feels like a trip back in time.
The 757 has been a remarkable aircraft for decades, but it’s clear its age is starting to show. While it’s fascinating to see these planes still in service, incidents like these highlight the challenges of keeping older aircraft in the stable.
I’m glad to hear the crew handled the situation so professionally. It’s reassuring to know the training pilots receive prepares them for rare mechanical issues, but I’d feel more comfortable flying on newer planes that seem to ave far fewer issues.
The age of the aircraft is not relevant. The aircraft is designed to never ever allow asymmetrical flaps – which it did. The crew decided to land on a short runway and inspect the aircraft. It was very light so it was just fine. This was a non-event.
It’s a complex issue with many things to consider. For instance, the 757 was built before Boeing made the corporate decision to focus more on “shareholder value” and profits at the expense of their previous mantra of “safety first no matter how much it costs”…..this change in corporate attitude resulted in the Max debacle. Personally I feel a well maintained 757 is very safe. Hopefully the Max’s problems are behind them, i would like to think they are. Bottom line is it’s still much safer to fly to Hawaii than drive to the airport
The state had plans to extend the runway(s) years ago but that plan was rejected, people don’t realize what’s at the ends of both runways and close proximity of the runways, having 10,000 foot on runway 35/17 and 8,000 foot on runway 3/21 would definitely accommodate any aircrafts with mechanical issues.
Time and time again, the aviation community in the airline industry praised how Great the 757 aircraft is, which for them, it is. However, when it comes to “passenger comfort for the traveler”, it’s the worst aircraft to use on flights longer than 2 hours.
How so? You make a statement with nothing to back it up.
Good day~ seating configurations are an airline selection not the manufacturer. There is no relation between aircraft type and seat comfort. And the B757 has the highest power to weight ratio giving it excellent maneuverability. Maintenance is the key. Choose your airline carefully. Cheers
United lie-flat without flaps should be new slogan