A United Airlines flight bound for Cebu, Philippines from Tokyo diverted to Osaka Kansai after reporting a cargo smoke indication on 12 September 2025.
United Airlines UA32 Tokyo-CebuFlight & Aircraft Data
United Airlines flight UA32, operated by a Boeing 737-800, had conducted a departure from Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT).
The aircraft was conducting a scheduled service bound for Cebu Mactan International Airport (CEB) in the Philippines.
United Airlines UA32 Tokyo-Cebu
Source: FlightRadar24
As the aircraft passed over the Pacific Ocean at cruising altitude on flight plan track, flight crew reported receiving a cargo smoke indication.
As a result, flight crew carried out a precautionary diversion to nearby Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX).
The flight landed without further incident on runway 24L Kansai International Airport, just over 30 minutes after the diversion was initiated.
Passengers were subsequently evacuated but there was no reported a fire or related damage.
Japan’s Ministry of Transport confirmed the crew receipt of a cargo fire indication and stated an investigation would be opened into the serious incident. The Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) will lead the investigation.
Flight & Aircraft Data
Flight data shows that flight UA32 and made an on-time departure out of Tokyo Narita Airport. Actual time of departure was logged at 5:42 PM local time on 12 September.
Following departure, the flight had proceeded normally, climbing to flight level FL340 for the service to Cebu City.
The aircraft was at cruising altitude to the south of Osaka when the in-flight incident took place. A direct track for Osaka Kansai International Airport was then followed.
Photo Credit: Masahiro TAKAGI from Ichikawa, Chiba, Japan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The aircraft conducting the UA32 service to Cebu Mactan International Airport was a Boeing 737-800, registered N39297. This is a 19.9 year old narrow body aircraft belonging to the carrier United Airlines.
It has been operational service with the airline since October 2010.
AloJapan.com