Aer Lingus flight EI-69 from Dublin to Los Angeles diverted to Shannon on the afternoon of 26 October after crew declared a medical emergency involving a male passenger in his 50s. The Airbus A330 was about 300 km west of Ireland when the captain issued a ‘Pan-Pan’ call and returned so the passenger could receive cardiac care.
Shannon Airport’s emergency plan was activated and a HSE cardiac ambulance met the aircraft on arrival. The passenger was transferred to University Hospital Limerick; his condition is reported as stable.
Although diversions for medical reasons are relatively rare, they highlight duty-of-care obligations for employers sending staff on long-haul flights. Travel-risk consultants advise conducting fit-to-fly assessments for employees with known health issues and ensuring that corporate travel insurance covers diversion costs, which can exceed €100,000 once fuel, landing fees and crew duty limits are factored in.
The aircraft refuelled and continued to Los Angeles after a four-hour delay. Aer Lingus said passengers who missed onward connections would be rebooked and offered hotel accommodation if required.
Shannon Airport’s emergency plan was activated and a HSE cardiac ambulance met the aircraft on arrival. The passenger was transferred to University Hospital Limerick; his condition is reported as stable.
Although diversions for medical reasons are relatively rare, they highlight duty-of-care obligations for employers sending staff on long-haul flights. Travel-risk consultants advise conducting fit-to-fly assessments for employees with known health issues and ensuring that corporate travel insurance covers diversion costs, which can exceed €100,000 once fuel, landing fees and crew duty limits are factored in.
The aircraft refuelled and continued to Los Angeles after a four-hour delay. Aer Lingus said passengers who missed onward connections would be rebooked and offered hotel accommodation if required.
