A BRITISH Airways jumbo jet was forced to divert and land at Shannon airport in the early hours of yesterday morning after a female passenger on board complained of feeling unwell.
Flight BA-112 from JFK International Airport in New York was en route to London’s Heathrow airport when the crew contacted air traffic controllers seeking permission to divert and land at Shannon.
The Boeing 747-400 jet touched down safely at 4.10am and was met by an ambulance, an advanced paramedic rapid response unit and a doctor. The woman was taken to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital in Limerick. There were no details available about her condition last night.
The flight was able to continue its journey after 1½ hours and arrived in London two hours behind schedule.
On Sunday night, another transatlantic flight was involved in a medical diversion when it was forced to land at Dublin airport following an incident on board involving a female passenger.
It is understood that the woman, who was reported to have been suffering from a psychiatric illness, became involved in an altercation with a flight attendant on board the flight from London Heathrow to Logan International Airport in Boston.
The Boeing 757-300 jet was almost over Donegal and about to start its Atlantic crossing when the pilot requested permission to divert to Dublin airport.
The aircraft was met by airport police personnel and a medical team. After being assessed, the woman was taken to hospital for treatment.