United Airlines passengers spend night in Labrador after London flight diverted

HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, N.L. – Passengers on a London-bound United Airlines flight had an unexpected overnight stay at a military barracks in Labrador after their flight was diverted Friday night.

Goose Bay airport manager Goronwy Price says the flight from Chicago landed late Friday with roughly 200 people on board after it had to turn back while flying across the Atlantic Ocean.

Price says there was no hotel space available in the town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay and arrangements were made with the local Canadian Forces base to accommodate the passengers.

He says they departed around Saturday afternoon after another United aircraft arrived.

Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper reported that some passengers felt abandoned by the airline, complaining on social media of cold and uncomfortable accommodations.

The Daily Mail reported two passengers tweeted that the airline crew stayed in a hotel.

United Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Sunday.

Media reports said the airline indicated the plane had to land because of a maintenance issue.

Price says the passengers he spoke with appreciated having somewhere to stay, and says he’s grateful the local military base was able to accommodate the group on short notice.