a group of police cars parked in front of an airplane

It has been quite a day for the passengers onboard United Airlines flight 998 from Brussels to Newark with both a disruptive passenger causing a diversion followed by a passenger showing signs of an infectious disease, prompting a temporary quarantine in Dublin.

United Airlines Flight Diverts Due To Disruptive Passenger, Then Sparks Infectious Disease Fears Over Sick Passenger Onboard

UA998 took off from Brussels (BRU) this morning for Newark (EWR). But while still over Ireland, the Boeing 787-10 (registration number N13018) made a U-turn and diverted to Dublin. The diversion was blamed on an unruly passenger, though no further details have yet emerged on the specific nature of the disruption.

But what may have been a routine diversion turned into a longer delay after another passenger onboard displayed signs of an infectious disease. That led to a temporary quarantine as medical personnel entered the aircraft to conduct testing.

Per Dubin Airport:

“Flight UA998 from Brussels to New York’s Newark Airport diverted to Dublin Airport this afternoon due to reports of two separate incidents – a disruptive passenger and a suspected medical issue – on board.

“Appropriate protocols were put in place by Dublin Airport Operations and Airport Police for the arrival of the aircraft and Gardai, National Ambulance Service and HSE personnel met the aircraft on arrival.”

(Gardai, formally the Garda Síochána, is the national police and security service of Ireland)

This was confirmed by a United Airlines spokesperson:

“United flight 998 from Brussels to Newark landed safely in Dublin on Monday because of a disruptive passenger. Separately, a medical situation was identified with a different passenger and medical personnel are investigating and providing assistance while passengers and crew wait on board.”

The testing produced a negative result, meaning the aircraft/passengers were released for departure. A replacement crew was found (nice job, United!) and the flight is now in the air for Newark, set to arrive about 6.5 hours behind schedule.

a screenshot of a flight schedule
United

I’m impressed that after that double whammy passengers will still reach the USA later today.


image: Dublin Airport // hat tip: PYOK

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