Flight from Newark to South Africa turns around after medical emergency: United Airlines

The 236 passengers aboard spent eight hours in the air, only to end up right back they started.
Monday, November 24, 2025
NEWARK, N.J. -- A United flight that left Sunday night from Newark Liberty International Airport and was heading to Cape Town, South Africa, returned to Newark due to a medical emergency, according to United Airlines.

The aircraft left just after 8:30 p.m. Sunday. The 236 passengers aboard spent eight hours in the air, only to end up right back they started.

Data from FlightAware shows United Flight 1122's travel path, including the moment it turned around over the Atlantic Ocean around four hours into the flight.

The flight was met by medical personnel on arrival, and the passenger is being treated on the ground, United Airlines said.

Passengers were rebooked and will be on their way Monday, airline officials said.
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