PSA Airlines Flight OH5526 Bombardier CRJ700 Diverts to Raleigh Durham Airport After Route Change
PSA Airlines Flight OH5526 (Bombardier CRJ700 N517AE) from Houston to Washington diverted to Raleigh-Durham International Airport on July 21, landing at 3:25 PM EDT.
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PSA Airlines Flight OH5526 Bombardier CRJ700 from Houston to Washington Diverts to Raleigh-Durham International Airport Following Unexpected Route Change
SEO Title: PSA Airlines Flight OH5526 Houston-Washington Diversion (2026)
Meta Description: PSA Airlines Flight OH5526 (Bombardier CRJ700 N517AE) from Houston to Washington diverted to Raleigh-Durham International Airport on July 21, landing at 3:25 PM EDT.
Slug: psa-airlines-flight-oh5526-houston-washington-diversion-raleigh-durham-2026
Standfirst: Operating a domestic service from Houston to Washington, DC on July 21, 2026, PSA Airlines Flight OH5526 made an unscheduled route alteration, landing safely at Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina.
The Disruption Details
On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, PSA Airlines Flight OH5526 (also operating under callsign JIA5526) experienced an unexpected route change while connecting Texas with the US capital region.
The aircraft, a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet bearing tail registration N517AE, departed George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) from Gate A29 at 11:09 AM CDT. The flight was scheduled to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) at 3:19 PM EDT.
Flight tracking systems show that after departure, the regional jet changed its planned flight path toward Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). The aircraft completed an unscheduled landing at RDU at 3:25 PM EDT—arriving 36 minutes past its scheduled arrival time in Washington. Airline operations teams managed the situation on the ground, while the exact reason behind the route change was not immediately disclosed.
Flight & Airport Impact Breakdown
- Affected Carrier & Flight: PSA Airlines Flight OH5526 / JIA5526.
- Aircraft Type & Registration: Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet (Tail Registration N517AE).
- Scheduled Route: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Gate A29, to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
- Diverted Alternate Hub: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in North Carolina.
- Arrival Variance: Touchdown at RDU at 3:25 PM EDT, 36 minutes later than scheduled arrival time in Washington (3:19 PM EDT).
- Passenger Impact: Travelers bound for Washington, DC arrived in North Carolina, requiring schedule adjustments and onward travel coordination.
Passenger Rights & Advisory (Information Gain)
Under U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) consumer protections, travelers impacted by flight diversions have defined legal rights depending on whether the disruption stems from controllable airline factors or weather/air traffic control events:
- Rebooking Protections: If a diversion is due to airline-controllable operational factors (such as technical maintenance or crew scheduling limits), PSA Airlines must rebook passengers onto the next available flight to Washington without additional fees.
- Meal Vouchers & Accommodation: Passengers facing extended ground delays at Raleigh-Durham International Airport are eligible for meal vouchers. Non-resident passengers facing overnight delays are entitled to hotel accommodations and airport transfer transport.
- Refund Provisions: Passengers who elect to discontinue their journey at the diversion hub rather than continuing to Washington can request a full cash refund for unflown flight segments under DOT rules.
Industry Analyst View
Our analysis indicates that diverting regional aircraft to hubs like Raleigh-Durham International Airport provides essential operational flexibility for regional carriers during unscheduled events.
RDU possesses robust ground handling capabilities, runway infrastructure, and passenger support facilities capable of absorbing diverted regional jets like the Bombardier CRJ700 without congesting primary Northeast air traffic corridors.
Data Tables
1. PSA Airlines Flight OH5526 Operational Timeline & Diversion Details
| Flight Parameter | Scheduled Operational Detail | Actual Operational Status |
|---|---|---|
| Flight Identifier | OH5526 / JIA5526 | Diverted mid-flight |
| Aircraft Model | Bombardier CRJ700 | Tail Registration N517AE |
| Origin Hub | Houston Intercontinental (IAH) Gate A29 | Departed 11:09 AM CDT (July 21, 2026) |
| Scheduled Destination | Reagan Washington National (DCA) | Scheduled Arrival 3:19 PM EDT |
| Actual Touchdown Hub | Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) | Landed 3:25 PM EDT (+36 min variance) |
Key Takeaways
- Houston to Washington Diversion: PSA Airlines Flight OH5526 (Bombardier CRJ700 N517AE) diverted to Raleigh-Durham on July 21, 2026.
- Flight Timing: Departed Houston Gate A29 at 11:09 AM CDT and touched down at RDU at 3:25 PM EDT.
- Passenger Protections: DOT guidelines mandate rebooking, meal vouchers, and lodging support for controllable disruptions.
- Safe Operations: The aircraft landed safely at RDU with zero reported safety incidents.
FAQ
Why was PSA Airlines Flight OH5526 diverted to Raleigh-Durham?
PSA Airlines Flight OH5526 diverted to Raleigh-Durham International Airport following an unexpected route change while en route from Houston to Washington on July 21, 2026.
What aircraft was used for Flight OH5526?
The flight was operated by a Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet registered as N517AE.
What rights do passengers have after a U.S. flight diversion?
Under U.S. DOT rules, if the diversion is carrier-controllable, passengers receive free rebooking onto their destination, meal allowances, hotel accommodations for overnight delays, or full refunds for unflown segments.
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, travel policies, regulations, and conditions change rapidly. Always verify information with official sources before making travel decisions. Nomad Lawyer makes no representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or suitability of the information provided. Readers should consult qualified professionals for advice specific to their circumstances. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Nomad Lawyer.
Kunal K Choudhary
Co-Founder & Contributor
A passionate traveller and tech enthusiast. Kunal contributes to the vision and growth of Nomad Lawyer, bringing fresh perspectives and driving the community forward.
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