Air Serbia A330 diverts over medical emergency

NEWS FLASH

An Air Serbia flight from Belgrade to New York has diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland with a young child who required medical attention. Flight JU500 was some 400 kilometres north west of Shannon when the crew declared a medical emergency. The crew of the Airbus A330-200 advised controllers they would need to enter a holding pattern in order to burn off fuel to ensure they touch down within safe landing weight limits. The crew flew in circles for about fourty minutes before commencing an approach to the airport. Meanwhile, an ambulance and rapid response advanced paramedic unit were sent to the airport ahead of the jet's arrival. The flight landed safely at 17.35 local time on Friday and taxied to the terminal where airport authorities and paramedics were standing by to board the aircraft. At the time of publication, the aircraft is still in Shannon. It is not yet known when the flight will resume its journey.

Air Serbia A330 landing at Shannon. Photo credit: Pay Flynn