The largest military aircraft in the United States Air Force inventory, the Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy, experienced a mid-air emergency over the Pacific Ocean while en route to Hawaii. Departing from Travis Air Force Base in California, the massive aircraft is designed for global cargo transportation, capable of carrying tanks, helicopters, and large pallets worldwide. Upgraded in 2009, the Super Galaxy provides the US Air Force with heavy strategic airlift capabilities.
Following the emergency alert, the flight descended and safely returned to Travis Air Force Base, landing just before 11 am local time. The reason for the emergency alert has not been officially confirmed by the United States Air Force.
Originally introduced during the Vietnam War in the 1960s, the Super Galaxy has undergone significant upgrades and is now one of the largest military aircraft in the US arsenal. Measuring over 140 feet long and 19 feet wide, the aircraft can accommodate up to five helicopters and is equipped with four turbofan engines.
Travis Air Force Base, known as the ‘Gateway to the Pacific,’ is a key military air terminal handling extensive cargo and passenger traffic in the US.
In a separate incident, a Ryanair flight to Tenerife from Birmingham Airport had to return to the UK after declaring a mid-air emergency. The Boeing 737 MAX flight, FR1121, experienced air turbulence over France, prompting the aircraft to issue a general emergency code. Passengers reported injuries during the turbulence, leading the flight to descend to 10,000 feet before safely landing back in Birmingham.
Ryanair confirmed the incident, stating that the flight returned due to air turbulence, with a few passengers receiving medical assistance upon arrival. The flight later resumed its journey to Tenerife at 21:06 local time.
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