A United Airlines flight bound for Guam made a safe emergency landing at Palau International Airport early Thursday morning after experiencing technical difficulties shortly after takeoff.

United Airlines flight UA 158 took off from Palau and encountered a system malfunction, prompting the flight crew to make an emergency landing. The National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) was alerted by the Air Traffic Service (AFIS) under the Bureau of Aviation at around 3 a.m. about the situation.

In response, the National Emergency Committee activated its protocols, and key agencies were placed on standby in case of a crash landing. Palau’s Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting (ARFF) personnel suited up and deployed ARFF trucks in preparation for the emergency landing.

The aircraft reportedly circled near Airai State for about 45 minutes to dump fuel before making its safe return to the airport. The landing was executed without incident.

“All the airport exercises we’ve conducted to prepare for this type of situation really paid off. It becomes second nature for everyone to be ready and on standby once an alert is issued,” said NEMO Director Wayman.

Among the passengers on the flight was Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., who was traveling to the U.S. mainland. The purpose of his trip was not known at the time of reporting.

Attempts to reach the Director of Aviation, Peter Polloi, who is off-island, and Minister Charles Iyar of the Ministry of Public Infrastructure & Industries, were unsuccessful as of press time.