Feb 16 • 07:18 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Mirror

Mexico-bound tourists divert to Iceland after mid-air medical emergency on plane

A KLM flight en route to Mexico City had to make an emergency landing in Iceland due to a medical emergency involving a passenger.

A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight, KL685, which took off from Amsterdam Schiphol bound for Mexico City, was forced to divert to Iceland after a passenger experienced a medical emergency mid-flight. Approximately two hours into the journey, the crew issued a 'Squawk 7700' transponder code, a signal recognized globally for indicating an emergency, prompting air traffic control to assist. This resulted in a rapid alteration of the flight's course toward Keflavik International Airport.

Upon landing on Runway 1 at Keflavik International Airport, emergency services were prepared and immediately boarded the aircraft to provide necessary medical assistance to the affected passenger. This emergency landing caused significant disruption to the usual flight path, as the aircraft had been flying over Scotland and the Atlantic before diverting north. The situation highlights the critical role that flight crews and air traffic control play in managing in-flight emergencies effectively.

The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the importance of having robust emergency protocols in place. Although the diversion might be inconvenient for the passengers heading to Mexico, the quick response ensured that the passenger in distress received timely care. Such incidents underscore the need for all airlines to maintain high standards of medical readiness on board flights.

📡 Similar Coverage