Passengers were removed from the flight after it was forced to land today due to “suspected cases of infectious diseases”.
United Airlines flight UA998 was flying off the south coast of Ireland when it was diverted to Dublin Airport due to two separate incidents on board.
One involved a suspected medical incident, while the other was a disruptive passenger on board a flight from Brussels to Newark Airport in New York, according to Dublin Airport.
Many police cars and at least one ambulance were depicted on the tarmac around the plane.
The flight was due to leave early this afternoon, but that was delayed as an infectious disease team arrived to run tests.
The passengers were on board the entire time.
In a post on X, passenger Johan Westberg said the question: “Now is what virus is on board, if anything”.
United Airlines has confirmed that one disruptive passenger has been removed from the flight.
Two other people were also removed, including a “sick passenger” and a person traveling with them, the airline told Metro.co.uk.
Dublin Airport and Irish police did not respond to questions about whether the unruly passenger had been arrested.
The condition of the passenger, who was not feeling well, or whether he had an infectious disease, has not yet been confirmed.
The Irish Health Service Executive (HSE) said in a statement: “The HSE cannot comment on individual cases to protect the privacy and confidentiality of those involved.
“Ministry of public health respond to reported cases of suspected infectious disease, conduct risk assessments of the situation and, where necessary, control measures are put in place to protect public health.
“The HSE National Ambulance Service and HSE Public Health today carried out appropriate investigations at Dublin Airport in accordance with protocols in collaboration with Dublin Airport, An Garda SÃochána and the Airport Police.
“Public Health and the National Ambulance Service managed this incident in accordance with national public health guidelines.”
A Dublin Airport spokesman said: “There is no impact on operations at Dublin Airport and passengers traveling this evening should plan to arrive at the airport as normal.”
The flight has since been cleared. Departed Dublin Airport shortly after 6pm.
Westberg estimated that he would arrive at his final destination at Newark Airport about six hours later.
Metro.co.uk has contacted the Police of Ireland for comment.
Contact our news team by email at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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