An Air France transatlantic flight bound for Texas was forced to make an emergency diversion to Ireland today after turning back over the Atlantic Ocean.
DUBLIN — Air France flight AF158, regularly scheduled from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), was well into its journey when the crew made the decision to reverse course. The airline has since confirmed the diversion and anticipates a brief, one-hour stopover on the ground in Ireland before determining the next steps for the passengers.
Timeline of the Flight
The flight followed a standard northern route before encountering an unresolved issue over the ocean:
- 10:34 CEST: The flight departs Paris CDG, operated by a modern Airbus A350-900 widebody aircraft (registration F-HUVR).
- Cruising Altitude: The aircraft stabilizes at a routine cruising altitude of 36,000 feet while transiting through United Kingdom airspace.
- The Turnaround: After flying for more than two hours over the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the flight crew executes a sharp U-turn back toward Europe.
- Emergency Declaration: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes after taking off from Paris, as the widebody jet enters Irish airspace, the crew transmits a Squawk 7700 code—the international signal for an onboard emergency.
The aircraft is currently executing its descent and routing directly to Dublin Airport (DUB) for an unscheduled landing.
Current Status
While Air France officials have verified that the plane is routing to Dublin, they have not yet disclosed the exact nature of the emergency—whether technical, mechanical, or medical.
Emergency response services at Dublin Airport are expected to meet the Airbus A350 on the tarmac as a standard precautionary protocol for any aircraft landing under a declared emergency status. Air France stated that it currently estimates a one-hour operational stopover in Dublin, though further delays may occur depending on the evaluation of the aircraft by ground technicians.
This is a developing aviation event and updates will be provided as official statements from Air France or Dublin Airport authorities become available.
UPDATE 12:19 UTC
On approach to DUB at 7,000 feet.
UPDATE 12:26 UTC
We have confirmation AF158 is diverting to DUB due to a sick passenger on board.
UDPATE 12:35 UTC
Landed on runway 10L.
UPDATE 12:45 UTC
Air France is scheduling a departure from Dublin at 14:45 local time.
