A flight bound for Germany turned around over the Irish Sea and diverted to Shannon Airport early this morning after a passenger suddenly fell ill.
Lufthansa flight LH-411 left JFK Airport in New York on Wednesday night and was en route to Munich with 271 passengers on board.
The flight had already passed through Irish airspace when the crew made a U-turn near the Welsh coast at around 5.10am and routed back towards the mid-west airport, reporting that a passenger required urgent medical assistance.
The Airbus A340-600 jet landed safely in Shannon at 5.44am and was met at the terminal by airport authorities and National Ambulance Service paramedics. The passenger was removed by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick along with a companion.
The flight continued to Munich about two hours later after the crew had received a new flight plan and the passengers’ baggage had been removed in accordance with security procedures.
Flight diverted to Shannon Airport after elderly woman dies on board
A Lufthansa spokesperson confirmed: “Flight LH411 of 3 March (date of departure in New York) New York JFK - Munich, with 271 passengers on board plus crew, did divert to Shannon (SNN) for medical reasons. One passenger needed urgent medical assistance and the crew decided to divert to the next suitable airport on its route.”
“It was a normal landing in Shannon. No emergency was declared. The passenger in need of medical assistance was then taken care of by local ambulance and de-boarded in Shannon. The flight was continued, taking off from Shannon to Munich at 07.45 local.
Lufthansa puts the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew at first priority. Of course, we are asking the other passengers on this flight for their understanding for the delay caused,” the airline said.
Of the 130 aircraft diversions to Shannon Airport last year, 16 were medical emergencies, 2 of which involved crew members.
So far this year, the airport has dealt with about 20 unscheduled landings 4 of which were medical diversions. In one sad incident in February, an elderly passenger passed away before her flight landed despite the best efforts of crew members to resuscitate her.
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