Air France A350 Pilots Denied Clearance at Chicago O Hare, Aircraft Returns to Paris. An Air France transatlantic flight bound for Chicago O’Hare International Airport was forced to return to Paris after the crew reportedly failed to receive landing clearance at the destination. The incident involved Flight AF136, operated by an Airbus A350-900, which turned back mid-flight after spending several hours over the Atlantic Ocean.
Flight Details and Mid-Air Turnback
According to flight tracking data, Air France Flight AF136 departed Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 12:49 local time. The aircraft, registered F-HUVR, took off from runway 26R and climbed to a cruising altitude of 38,000 feet while following a standard northerly transatlantic route via the United Kingdom.
At around 16:30 CEST, while flying between Iceland and Greenland, the flight crew made the decision to reverse course and return to France. By that point, the aircraft had already been airborne for nearly seven hours.
Reason for Return to Paris
A passenger later told aviation outlet AIRLIVE that the return was triggered by the flight not receiving landing authorization at Chicago O’Hare. Air France confirmed the diversion but described it only as being due to “operational reasons,” without sharing further details. The aircraft landed safely back at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport on runway 27R, six hours and 37 minutes after departure.
Passenger Support and Replacement Flight
Following the unexpected return, Air France arranged overnight hotel accommodation for affected passengers and rebooked them on a replacement service. The substitute flight, AF4080, departed Paris for Chicago on Sunday, June 29, at 14:20 local time. Airline ground staff assisted passengers at the airport to ensure a smooth rebooking process.
Similar Aviation Incident Highlights Wider Issue
The Air France incident comes amid growing attention on airport clearance and aircraft certification issues. Earlier in June, an American Airlines flight from Philadelphia to Naples was diverted to Rome after it was discovered mid-flight that the Boeing 787-9 operating the route was not certified to land at Naples Airport. Although weather conditions were clear, the aircraft type mismatch forced a last-minute diversion.
Why Aircraft Certification Matters
Aviation experts explain that even small differences between aircraft variants can impact airport compatibility. Factors such as aircraft length, weight, braking performance, and taxiway clearance all play a role in determining whether a specific model is approved for a particular airport. These technical requirements are closely regulated to ensure safety and operational efficiency.
Conclusion
While rare, incidents like the Air France A350 return to Paris show how operational and clearance issues can disrupt even routine long-haul flights. Airlines rely on strict coordination with airports and regulators to prevent such situations, but when unexpected challenges arise, passenger safety and regulatory compliance remain the top priority.
