CHICAGO — A United Airlines flight operating a Boeing 737 MAX 8 has declared an airborne emergency shortly after departing Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) today, sparking a rapid diversion.

Flight UA2092, bound for New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA), is currently the subject of a developing situation in the skies over the Midwest. The aircraft, registered as N37325, took off nearly two hours behind schedule at 9:54 AM, following an original scheduled departure of 8:00 AM.

According to flight tracking data, the climb initially appeared normal as the aircraft reached its cruising altitude of 37,000 feet. However, while heading east, the crew performed a sudden, sharp right turn and adjusted their transponder to Squawk 7700, the international code for a general emergency.

The nature of the emergency has not yet been confirmed by United Airlines or the Federal Aviation Administration.

UPDATES

1. The flight is diverting to Pittsburgh.
2. Passengers will be deplaning via stair upon landing according to ATC.
3. On approach to runway 28C.
4. Touch down at 12:04 local time.
5. The aircraft is met by emergency vehicles on the runway.
6. Passengers are evacuating via emergency slides.
7. According to report, United Airlines flight UA2092 was diverted to Pittsburgh International Airport after a bomb threat was reported onboard shortly after departing Chicago O’Hare.
8. The airline is scheduling a new departure at 3:PM.