Ryanair flight diverted 900 miles to Spain amid storm chaos
Severe storms and in-flight emergencies force multiple European flight diversions in 24 hours [1][2]
A Ryanair flight from Dublin to Bristol was diverted 910 miles to Alicante-Elche Airport in Spain after Storm Boelo caused severe winds, forcing the aircraft to abort its landing approach [1]. The plane, FR2955, had already been diverted earlier in the day from Newquay to Dublin due to weather in Cornwall before attempting the short-haul journey to Bristol. Despite cruising at 27,000ft, strong winds prompted air traffic control to place the aircraft in a holding pattern, leading to a U-turn and a southward diversion to Spain. The flight landed safely at 2.15am local time, nearly three hours after departure, despite the journey normally taking less than an hour.
Another Ryanair flight, FR7644 from Faro to Edinburgh, was diverted to Oslo, Norway, around 600 miles from its destination, due to the same weather conditions [1]. Meanwhile, on October 25, a Ryanair Boeing 737-800 from Seville to Manchester declared a 7700 emergency squawk after a passenger fell ill at 12,600ft [2]. The flight, RYR56QH, was delayed by over an hour before takeoff and landed safely in Manchester with medical crews waiting. Ryanair confirmed a passenger became unwell and medical assistance was requested in advance.
On a separate incident, Eurowings flight from Rhodes to Dusseldorf saw multiple passengers fall ill, with three hospitalised and medics arriving in hazmat suits [2]. Passenger Nathalie Gombik described chaos onboard, with vomiting reported and crew maintaining composure while emergency services mobilised. The flight had 212 passengers and seven crew members, and passengers remained on board for 90 minutes post-landing. Eurowings confirmed the incident and stated the cause of the symptoms is unclear and is being investigated. The claim that the illness was caused by Norovirus is reported by one source only and has not been confirmed.
Ryanair has not commented on the Bristol diversion, while Eurowings confirmed the investigation into the suspected Norovirus outbreak [1][2]. The story was first reported by Mirror and Daily Star.
Sources
This article is based on reporting by the outlets below.
- Mirror: UK Ryanair flight diverted 900 miles to Spain after Storm Boelo prevents landing
- Daily Star: UK-bound Ryanair flight declares passenger emergency over Manchester at 12,600ft
