Cedar Rapids-bound Allegiant flight makes emergency landing

An Allegiant Air flight from Orlando, Fla., to Cedar Rapids on Thursday morning made an emergency landing in Chattanooga, Tenn., due to reported engine trouble.

The Las Vegas-based airline dispatched a replacement aircraft, which is due to arrive at about 12:44 p.m. Central Time. An Allegiant spokeswoman said it is expected to arrive in Cedar Rapids at about 1:30 p.m.

Allegiant said in a statement the aircraft experienced an issue with its right engine and diverted to Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport. The aircraft landed safely at about 8:02 a.m. local time.

There were 150 passengers and six crew members on board.

The airline said the aircraft has been taken out of service and will be thoroughly inspected to determine the cause.

Passengers who choose not to travel will receive a refund. Passengers also were offered $100-off vouchers for future travel and the option to change their current reservation to another flight in the Allegiant system.

Allegiant has experienced a number of flight delays in recent months due to engine and other mechanical problems.

The airline serves Cedar Rapids with scheduled service to destinations in Arizona, Florida and Nevada.