Air France Flight AF136 Returns to Paris After Denied Landing Clearance at Chicago O’Hare

An Air France transatlantic flight, AF136, was compelled to turn back to Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) after nearly seven hours in the air due to operational issues, specifically being denied landing clearance at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).

Flight Details and Mid-Flight Decision

On June 28, 2025, Flight AF136, operated by an Airbus A350-900, departed from Paris at 12:49 PM local time, bound for Chicago. The aircraft, registered as F-HUVR, took off from runway 26R and ascended to a cruising altitude of 38,000 feet, following a standard northerly transatlantic route over the UK.

Around 4:30 PM CEST, while flying over the mid-Atlantic between Iceland and Greenland, the flight crew made the critical decision to return to France. Despite having completed nearly half of the journey, operational constraints necessitated the redirection of the flight back to its origin.

Passenger Experience and Airline Response

Passengers aboard the flight reported the unexpected turn of events, with one individual sharing their experience on social media, highlighting the confusion surrounding the clearance issues. Air France later confirmed that the return was made for "operational reasons," although they did not provide further specifics.

The flight safely landed at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport at approximately 7:26 PM, six hours and 37 minutes after departure. In response to the disruption, Air France arranged overnight accommodations for the affected passengers and rebooked them on a replacement flight.

The substitute service, flight AF4080, departed Paris for Chicago on June 29 at 2:20 PM local time, with passengers receiving assistance from the airline’s ground staff throughout the process.

Similar Incident: American Airlines Flight AA780

This incident echoes a recent occurrence involving American Airlines Flight AA780, which was diverted mid-flight due to airport certification issues with a Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Although the flight was not affected by weather conditions, it was rerouted to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) after discovering that the aircraft type was not approved for landing at Naples International Airport (NAP).

The operational challenges faced by both airlines underscore the importance of thorough pre-flight checks and adherence to airport compatibility regulations. As airlines continue to navigate complex operational landscapes, ensuring compliance with local regulations remains paramount.

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