A United Airlines Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner was met by a specialist infectious diseases team at Dublin Airport (DUB) after a passenger became ill on a flight.
However, it appears that a “disruptive passenger” on the same United aircraft may have been the initial reason for the flight crew’s decision to divert the aircraft.
The United Airlines flight departed Brussels Airport (BRU) on June 5, 2024, around 11:30 local time and was due to land at New York Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) around eight hours later.
Dublin Airport confirmed that “appropriate protocols” were put in place to meet the aircraft with the police, National Ambulance Service and a specialist infectious diseases team all involved.
In a statement United Airlines said that medical personnel in Ireland “investigated and cleared the flight to continue with the removal of one disruptive passenger, one ill passenger and one other person travelling with the ill passenger”.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland confirmed that it undertook an investigation at Dublin Airport but could not comment on individual’s health.
“HSE National Ambulance Service and HSE Public Health undertook appropriate investigations at Dublin Airport following protocols in partnership with Dublin Airport, Garda Síochána and Airport Police,” HSE said in a statement to the Metro.
HSE added: “Public Health and National Ambulance Service managed this incident according to national public health guidelines.”
The flight continued to New York after a short delay.