A transatlantic flight diverted to Shannon Airport this afternoon after the crew declared a medical emergency off the South West coast.
United Airlines flight UA-53 was travelling from Zurich, Switzerland to Washington in the US at the time. There were 151 passengers and crew on board the Boeing 767-300 jet.
The Boeing 767-300 jet was about 220kms south west of Shannon, when the crew confirmed they wished to divert to Shannon Airport.
Authorities at Shannon were advised of the incoming aircraft while the National Ambulance Service was also contacted and requested to mobilise resources to meet the flight.
The flight landed safely at 1.35pm and was pursued along the runway by airport fire service vehicles. The aircraft then taxied to the terminal where ambulance paramedics were standing by to board the aircraft.
The passenger was assessed at treated by paramedics before being removed to University Hospital Limerick.
The passengers have since been deboarded and are being cared for in the airport’s transit lounge.
A replacement aircraft was due in Shannon later in the afternoon and was due to take the passengers from flight 53 onto their destination.
