Iberia flight IB 6844 from Buenos Aires-Ezeiza (EZE) to Madrid (MAD) diverted to Gran Canaria (LPA) on February 23. An Airbus A350-900, with registration EC-NJM, operated IB 6844 that day. The aircraft was back on the ground nearly ten hours after departure due to a passenger's medical issue. 

The Incident

The flight departed from Buenos Aires at 11:09 p.m. local time, utilizing runway number 11. The planned operation was to land in Madrid in 11 hours and 50 minutes at 2:35 p.m. local time the next day. The incident occurred when the aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 40,000 feet (12,192 meters) nine hours into the flight. The plane was passing over the North Atlantic Ocean approximately 100 nautical miles (185 kilometers) northeast of the Canary Islands when the crew reported a passenger requiring urgent assistance due to a medical emergency, and the aircraft had to divert.

After 20 minutes, the plane descended and landed on runway 03L at LPA from 40,000 feet (12,192 meters) of height. The aircraft was given precedence for a direct approach and landing facilitated by the Canary Islands ATC. The passenger with the medical issue was receiving CPR treatment as the situation escalated during the operation.

After the Landing

In Gran Canaria, an emergency medic team was waiting at LPA for the passengers because of their health condition. The aircraft stayed on the ground for an hour and a half, then departed at 1:05 p.m. local time to accomplish the scheduled flight. From the Spanish archipelago, it landed in Madrid at 4:31 p.m. local time. The delay came up to just under two hours.

The Aircraft

The aircraft involved was a three-year-old Airbus A350-900, registered as EC-NJM. The plane's name is Flamenco, representing a traditional dance that symbolizes Spain's culture. It contains 345 passenger accommodations, including 31 lie-flat seats in business class, 24 premium economy, and 293 economy class. It was delivered to Iberia on June 19, 2020, and has been providing services since then. 

Similar Incidents

On February 25, an Air Europa Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flying on the same route, flight UX 42 between Buenos Aires (EZE) and Madrid (MAD), also diverted to Gran Canaria. A medical emergency again caused the diversion. Preparation for each emergency is one of the most critical aspects of airline operations. This recent event and the prompt response of Iberia's crew highlight the importance of passengers' general well-being.