KEFLAVIK – A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight bound for Mexico City was forced to make an unplanned landing in Iceland today following a medical emergency high above the North Atlantic.
Emergency Over the Ocean
Flight KL685, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (Registration: PH-BHD), departed Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) at 13:45 UTC. The aircraft followed its standard route, climbing to a cruising altitude of 33,000 feet as it passed over Scotland.
Roughly two hours into the journey, as the aircraft prepared for the long oceanic crossing, the crew declared a general emergency by broadcasting a Squawk 7700 code. The pilots immediately requested a diversion to Keflavik International Airport (KEF), citing a passenger in need of urgent medical attention.
Swift Action in Iceland
The Dreamliner touched down safely on Runway 01 at Keflavik and was directed to a remote stand to allow emergency medical services to board the aircraft. Paramedics met the flight on the tarmac to provide treatment and facilitate the transfer of the passenger to a local hospital.
Resuming the Journey
Following the medical evacuation and a necessary refuel, the aircraft was cleared for departure. At 17:45 UTC, KL685 took off from Runway 28, resuming its flight to Mexico City. The aircraft is currently back over the Atlantic, expected to arrive at its destination with a delay of several hours.
KLM has not released further details regarding the passenger’s condition, citing privacy regulations.
