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Date Published: 13/03/2025

Spain to UK Ryanair flight diverted after passenger suffers heart attack

Luckily, a retired cardiologist was on board the flight from the Canary Islands to Bournemouth

A dramatic medical emergency unfolded on a Ryanair flight from Gran Canaria to Bournemouth on Monday March 10, when a passenger began experiencing symptoms of a heart attack. The incident occurred about halfway through the flight, and flight attendants made an urgent appeal over the plane’s intercom for any medically-trained passengers to come forward.

One traveller, Chris Howards, was returning from holiday in Spain when he noticed the commotion at the front of the aircraft.

He said: "Suddenly the bongs came up over the PA system and they said 'if there is a medically-trained passenger on board, can you make yourself known immediately, please'."

A retired cardiologist immediately went to assist the unwell woman.

Also of interest: Brits stranded in Spain as airport staff refuse to wait for diverted Ryanair flight

"One of the passengers put their light on and they went and spoke to him,” Chris recalled.

"The doctor ended up speaking to the pilot and we began a very rapid descent.

"Turned out the guy was a retired cardiologist and the lady was having a heart attack."

Ryanair staff handled the situation with professionalism, keeping the woman shielded from “lots of nosey people”, according to Mr Howard.

The Boeing 737-800 made an emergency landing at Brest Bretangne in France where emergency services were waiting to attend to the passenger.

"Approximately an hour later we were taking off and were on our way home, which was amazing really," said Mr Howard.

"We all felt like they've done a smashing job."

This incident is the second time in recent days that a Ryanair flight has been forced to divert due to an emergency situation. On Saturday March 8, a flight from Dublin to Gran Canaria was diverted after an Irish passenger became violent mid-air.

Image: Ryanair

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