United Express Aspen-Houston Flight Drops 25,000 Feet, Injures Two

United Express Flight 5971, operated by SkyWest for United Airlines, encountered severe turbulence on its route from Aspen to Houston, causing the aircraft to plunge more than 25,000 feet within six minutes. The sudden descent threw passengers and belongings violently around the cabin, resulting in panic and injuries, with two passengers hospitalized as a precaution. The pilots quickly diverted the flight to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, where emergency crews were ready upon landing. Officials confirmed that none of the injuries were life-threatening. The incident highlights growing concerns about increased turbulence in air travel, possibly linked to climate change making skies more unstable. SkyWest Airlines emphasized the safety and well-being of passengers and is cooperating with United Airlines to assist those affected.