Flight diverted because pilot 'fell ill'

A pilot "fell ill," forcing a flight filled with 266 passengers and crew to make an emergency landing into Shannon Airport in Ireland. (iStock)

A transatlantic flight from Florida to Denmark had to make an emergency landing in Ireland after the captain became incapacitated.

The Norwegian Air liner was midflight, flying from Fort Lauderdale to Copenhagen, when the co-pilot declared a medical emergency reporting a “crew member” had fallen ill, Irish News reported. The airline confirmed in a statement that it was the captain.

A third pilot had been on board the flight and helped with the diversion and emergency landed.

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The flight safely diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland where it was met at the terminal by airport authorities and ambulance paramedics.

The captain was removed by ambulance, Irish Times reports, and taken to a hospital for treatment.

The 266 passengers and crew were made to disembark from the plane and enter the airport transit lounge where they were given meal vouchers. Arrangements were made for the passengers to get them to their final destination.

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A spokesperson for Norwegian Air told Irish Times, “Flight DY7042 from Fort Lauderdale to Copenhagen was diverted to Shannon Airport where it landed safely. The safety and security of our passengers and crew is Norwegian's highest priority and the diversion was made as a precaution after the captain fell ill.”

The flight resumed its journey at 1:30 pm local time, after the captain had been “replaced.”