American Airlines quickly diverted Flight 174 to John F. Kennedy International Airport on Wednesday evening. The carrier issued rebooking precautions earlier in the week for its East Coast flights, with major disruptions expected due to severe weather.
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a report on American Airlines’ diverted flight, confirming that two flight attendants were injured on the route that was set for London. It was the second time this week that American Airlines diverted one of its flights to John F. Kennedy International Airport, with another diversion due to mechanical issues.
American Airlines Flight 174 Diverted To JFK After Two Flight Attendants Were Injured Due To Severe Turbulence
American Airlines Flight 174 between Raleigh-Durham (RDU) and London Heathrow (LHR) is a nonstop international flight, roughly 7 hours and 30–45 minutes, depending on the weather and air traffic situation. The 3,860-mile flight operates daily for American Airlines.
On Wednesday, July 22, the flight departed from North Carolina just after 9 p.m. Shortly after takeoff, the flight experienced “severe turbulence.” According to a report from People, the aircraft was forced to divert less than an hour into the flight due to injuries sustained by two flight attendants.
Audio from ATC reveals what the pilots said during the diversion to John F. Kennedy International Airport.
“We have two flight attendants injured due to turbulence.”
The flight made an emergency landing despite carrying excess fuel that made it overweight. The pilot also confirmed in his messaging that there were 239 passengers on board.
The status of the flight attendants has not been revealed. TheTravel has contacted American Airlines for a statement regarding the incident, but did not hear back in time for publication.
How The FAA Reacted To The American Airlines Flight 174 Incident
Although American Airlines has not responded to a statement request, the Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed the incident.
The FAA says Flight 174 “landed safely after the crew reported turbulence.”
The FAA’s Accident and Incident Notification report also confirmed that “two flight attendants were injured.” However, the flight attendants’ status was not revealed.
Turbulence and risk of injury among flight attendants has become a pressing issue for the major U.S. airlines. Last year, on June 2, 2025, Delta Air Lines altered its descent rule. Under its new policy, flight attendants are now obligated to be seated at 18,000 feet, as opposed to 10,000 feet.
In a comment to TheTravel, Delta Air Lines flight attendant Kathleen, with the carrier for 7 years, applauded the change.
“As a Delta flight attendant for 7 years and being injured during unexpected severe turbulence, I can tell you I’m proud of Delta stopping service on express flights … turbulence has increased in amount and severity since my return from my injury, which is a lifetime condition I have to manage …. It’s not about the bottom line I can assure you.”
For American Airlines, the flight attendant injuries occurred during a difficult week for the carrier. The airline experienced several disruptions nationwide due to severe weather conditions.
American Airlines Experienced An Increase In Flight Disruptions This Week
It was a difficult week for the major airlines. On Tuesday, the major New York hubs, John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, delayed over 1,000 flights combined due to severe weather.
American Airlines has been impacted throughout the week. On July 23, the airline continued to face disruptions, ranking second for delays among all U.S. airports.
U.S. Airlines With The Most Delays On July 23
|
Rank |
Airline |
Delays |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Southwest Airlines |
1,220 |
|
2 |
American Airlines |
1,143 |
|
3 |
United Airlines |
822 |
|
4 |
SkyWest |
656 |
According to FlightAware data, as of early morning on July 24, American Airlines had the highest cancellation volume among U.S. carriers, with nine cancellations and 46 delays.
American Airlines will aim to minimize disruptions heading into the weekend. Not only did the carrier face delays this week, but it also saw another flight diverted to JFK earlier in the week.
American Airlines Flight 174 Wasn’t The Carrier’s Only Aircraft That Diverted To JFK This Week
Another American Airlines flight to London diverted on Monday evening, encountering mechanical issues shortly after takeoff from Boston Logan International Airport. According to a report from AirLive, the flight kept a low altitude while making its way to JFK.
The publication states that a replacement aircraft was used, while the flight was later cancelled.
“Following the safe landing at JFK, American Airlines dispatched a replacement Boeing 777-200ER (registration N784AN) to ferry the stranded passengers and crew back to Boston. After returning to Logan International Airport, the transatlantic flight was formally canceled, and affected travelers were rebooked onto alternate flights,” AirLive wrote in its report.
There were no injuries reported on the flight.
TheTravel is awaiting further details regarding the American Airlines Flight 174, which departed from Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina on Wednesday.
