An Air Canada flight bound for Toronto made an unscheduled diversion to Ireland today following a medical emergency high over the Atlantic Ocean.
DUBLIN — Air Canada flight AC825, a regularly scheduled transatlantic passenger service from Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), was forced to turn back toward Europe several hours into its journey.
The flight, operated by an Airbus A330-300 with registration C-GEGI, departed Madrid today at approximately 13:15 UTC. According to flight tracking data, the aircraft initially climbed smoothly to a cruising altitude of 36,000 feet as it crossed over mainland Spain and began its oceanic transit across the Atlantic.
Mid-Flight Emergency
The situation unfolded nearly three hours into the flight. While cruising at 29,000 feet over the ocean, the flight crew transmitted an urgent ACARS (Aircraft Communication Addressing and Reporting System) message alerting air traffic control to a medical emergency on board.
Faced with a critical health situation requiring immediate ground assistance, the flight crew initiated a turnaround. Air traffic controllers vectored the widebody aircraft toward Ireland, the nearest viable landfall for a safe diversion.
Touchdown and Quick Turnaround
After spending more than 4 hours and 30 minutes in the air, flight AC825 safely touched down at Dublin Airport (DUB) shortly after 17:45 UTC. Medical personnel were prepared to meet the aircraft upon arrival to attend to the passenger in need.
Timetables
Air Canada has adjusted its scheduling to minimize disruptions for the remaining passengers. The airline has scheduled a brief 1-hour-and-30-minute stopover in Dublin to handle medical logistics, refuel, and prepare for departure.
Flight AC825 is scheduled to depart Dublin at 20:30 local time to resume its journey to Toronto.
