Alaska Airlines A330 Returns to Honolulu After Engine Issue

Honolulu, HI – January 26, 2026 – An Alaska Airlines Airbus A330 aircraft safely returned to honolulu International Airport (HNL) on January 26, 2026, after experiencing an issue with one of its engines shortly after takeoff. The flight,WA620,was en route to Anchorage (ANC) when the crew received an alert indicating an overheat in the Full authority digital Engine Control (FADEC) system.

What Happened?

According to a statement released by Alaska Airlines, the flight crew responded to a FADEC overheat indication on one of the aircraft’s engines. as a precautionary measure,the crew initiated a shutdown of the affected engine and elected to return to Honolulu. The airline confirmed that the aircraft landed safely at approximately 2:45 PM HST.

“Safety is our number one priority, and our pilots are highly trained to handle these types of situations,” stated an Alaska Airlines spokesperson. “The crew followed established procedures, and the flight landed without incident.”

FADEC System explained

The Full authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) is a system that automatically controls engine parameters to optimize performance and efficiency. It monitors various engine sensors and adjusts fuel flow, air intake, and other settings. An overheat alert within the FADEC system can indicate a potential malfunction requiring immediate attention. Boeing provides detailed facts on FADEC systems.

Passenger and Crew Safety

All 270 passengers and 12 crew members on board were safely deplaned. Alaska Airlines provided passengers with overnight accommodations and rebooked them on subsequent flights to Anchorage.The airline is offering full refunds or travel credits to affected passengers. Alaska Airlines’ official website provides updates for passengers.

Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified and is initiating an investigation into the incident. Alaska Airlines maintainance teams are currently inspecting the engine to determine the root cause of the FADEC overheat. The NTSB website will publish updates as the investigation progresses.

Impact on Operations

The incident caused minor disruptions to alaska Airlines’ flight schedule. Several flights were delayed or canceled as a result of the aircraft being taken out of service. The airline is working to minimize the impact on passengers and restore normal operations as quickly as possible.

Key Takeaways

• An Alaska Airlines A330 safely returned to Honolulu after an engine issue.
• The issue was related to an overheat alert in the FADEC system.
• All passengers and crew were safely deplaned.
• The NTSB is investigating the incident.
• Alaska Airlines is providing accommodations and rebooking options for affected passengers.