Two flights traveling to Newark International Airport were forced to divert and make emergency landings on Friday due to high winds and turbulence. United Airlines Flight 85 from Tel Aviv was one of the flights affected, with approximately 200 passengers on board. The flight was diverted to Stewart Airport in upstate New York, where emergency crews were waiting to check passengers and transport them to local hospitals. Five individuals were hospitalized, while one person refused medical treatment. The New Windsor EMS chief, Michael Bigg, stated that passengers complained of nausea and chest pain from the turbulence, but no serious injuries were reported.

In a separate incident, Austrian Airlines Flight 89 also traveling to Newark Airport was diverted to Stewart Airport for additional fuel. The landing was described as a "fuel & go" and no injuries were reported. The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating both incidents.

United Airlines confirmed that one passenger on Flight 85 deplaned due to a medical incident, and a few others were seen by medical personnel for possible motion sickness. The airline cited high winds at Newark as a factor in the diversions. Despite the turbulence, the Boeing 787 flight landed safely at Stewart Airport and later continued to Newark after refueling.

Overall, seven people were taken to a New York hospital for observation after experiencing severe turbulence on the United Airlines flight. New Windsor EMS Chief Michael Bigg stated that around 30 people were evaluated, with seven being transported to the hospital for observation. Despite complaints of nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness, no serious injuries were reported. The collaborative efforts of first responders helped alleviate the stress of the situation, according to Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus.