A flight from the United States to Serbia diverted to Shannon Airport this morning after the crew declared a medical emergency.
Air Serbia flight ASL-501 was travelling from New York to Belgrade at the time.
The Airbus A330-243 jet was transiting Irish airspace and in contact with air traffic controllers here when the crew declared a medical emergency at around 6.20am.
The flight was about 400 kms northwest of Shannon Airport when the crew issued a ‘Pan-pan’ radio call which, although not as serious as a May-day, still indicates an urgency on board.
The crew advised controllers that they wished to divert to Shannon Airport confirming they had a passenger on board who required medical attention. The crew also confirmed there were several medical professionals on board who were caring for the patient.
Authorities at Shannon were advised of the unscheduled arrival while the National Ambulance Service was also alerted and requested to mobilise resources to the airport.
The flight landed safely at 6.53am and was met on arrival at the terminal by airport staff and ambulance paramedics. The patient was transferred to University Hospital Limerick for treatment.
The flight continued its journey to Belgrade at 8.21am.