A United plane lands at Cuba ... due to diversion

[sn26567]

US aeroplanes on scheduled flights are not allowed to land in Cuba since the 1961 embargo. But in an emergency this rule does not apply. Therefore, the pilot of a United Airlines Airbus A320 flying route UA831 between Washington IAD and Cancun decided to divert to the closest airport, Havana, when a burning smell was detected in the cabin. The plane landed safely with its 5 crew and 135 passngers. The latter were redirected to other flights (Aeromexico and Cubana) to Cancun.

Source (in French): http://www.air-journal.fr/2011-08-01-ma ... 33660.html

Also reported in The Aviation Herald: http://www.avherald.com/h?article=4409aa9b&opt=0

[regi]

Imagine such a hard liner red neck anti commi who has to board a Cubana airplane and enjoy communist friendship - or even "exquisite" USSR manufacturing if they flew an Ilyushin.

[andorra-airport]

Haha yes, they fly with a Jakovlev Yak 42 on this route, must be a real shock for them.

[regi]

Haha yes, they fly with a Jakovlev Yak 42 on this route, must be a real shock for them.

If I was the captain, I would rub it in with a lot of salt.
"Dear comrade passengers, welcome on board of this marvellous example of the Saratov Oblast. May I recommend to have a rum of the Havana Collective to calm down because the smoke you see above you is actually condensation. Don't worry that I will try to escape to the imperialist society. I have already a brother who sends me money from Miami. Don't try to put your seat back because it will break. If your seat is already inclined, it is broken. You can join our frequent flyer program. Paying in dollar doubles your points"

[liege-bierset]

...and have an excellent hand made Partagas Cohiba Robustos.
(192 mm x 19.84 mm)

[regi]

...and have an excellent hand made Partagas Cohiba Robustos.
(192 mm x 19.84 mm)

Yes, if they would have thought commercially, they should have offered this illegal contraband to the US passengers tax free. I bet that many commi haters turn into Castro lovers within a blink.

[cathay belgium]

Hi,

And after the Cohiba a Habana Club Anejo 7 anos for the die hard commi-haters,
after this I bet anyone will sing love songs about il commandante ..
Cohibas,Ron,Merengue,Sun,White Sand and beautiful women in a the retro fitted country with the big smile
Love Cuba,just do haha

CX-B

[regi]

BTW, on airliners, the story is a bit different. It seems that the passengers were not flown out by Cubana.

[earthman]

They were put on a rubber boat?