A Lufthansa transatlantic flight bound for Washington, D.C., was forced to abort its oceanic crossing and declare an emergency on Thursday afternoon.
Lufthansa Flight LH418, operated by an Airbus A340-600 (registration D-AIHX), departed Frankfurt Airport (FRA) at 1:30 PM local time. The four-engine long-haul aircraft climbed to a cruising altitude of 34,000 feet as it tracked northwest over the North Sea.
Roughly two hours into the flight, just as the aircraft reached the northern edge of the UK and was preparing to begin its Atlantic transit, the crew executed a sharp left turn.
Shortly after turning, pilots transmitted a transponder code of Squawk 7700, the general aviation emergency signal indicating an immediate operational or medical priority. Flight tracking data showed the aircraft descending from its cruising altitude and heading south toward Ireland, with Dublin Airport (DUB) expected to serve as the diversion location.
Emergency ground crews at Dublin Airport are reportedly on standby to meet the aircraft upon arrival.
This is a developing story.
UPDATE #1
The aircraft is unable to transit the Atlantic due to a technical issue.
UPDATE #2
Flight descended to 26,000 feet.
UPDATE #3
Operations are considering changing the diversion Airport.
UPDATE #3
Descending to Glasgow.
UPDATE #4
Final approach to GLA.
UPDATE #5
Touch down on runway 23.
UPDATE #6
Parked on remote stand of the airport.
