American Airlines flight from Chicago diverted to Kalamazoo after mechanical issue

An American Airlines flight from Chicago to New York was diverted Saturday, and forced to land in Michigan, the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport confirmed.

"It experienced an issue in the air — I don't know exactly what it was — but they decided to divert to Kalamazoo," Airport Director Craig Williams told the Free Press. "They landed safely, and all the passengers are at the terminal. They deplaned, and we're told they are bringing another airplane."

There were 165 aboard the plane, a Boeing 737, and there were no injuries, Williams said.

The flight left Chicago's O'Hare International Airport at 6:37 a.m. CDT and landed at 8:11 EDT. The spokesperson said a new aircraft will be sent to Kalamazoo and the flight will continue to LaGuardia Airport, its original destination.

American Airlines said the flight was diverted because of a mechanical issue.

"The flight landed safely and taxied to the gate," the airline spokesperson said. "We’re working to get our customers safely on their way as soon as possible."

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One report said the plane had a had a fuel leak, which caused the diversion.

Williams, however, could not confirm that, but said he was unaware of any fuel loss at the Kalamazoo airport. He added he did not know when another plane would arrive to pick up the passengers, and for now, they were "enjoying some free coffee."

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: American Airlines flight diverted to Kalamazoo after mechanical issue