A transatlantic flight bound for Paris was forced to divert to Ireland in the early hours of this morning after a passenger suffered a medical emergency mid-air.

Air France flight AF-031 had departed Atlanta, Georgia at approximately 8.45pm Irish time, heading for the French capital, when the situation unfolded over the Atlantic. The Boeing 777-328(ER) aircraft was around 250 kilometres southwest of Shannon when the crew declared an onboard medical issue.

Shortly after 3.00am, pilots issued a “pan-pan” call to air traffic control, signalling an urgent situation that was not immediately life-threatening but required priority handling. The crew initially indicated plans to divert to Dublin but later revised their decision, confirming Shannon Airport as the preferred landing point.

According to communications with controllers, the emergency involved a male passenger in his 60s who required urgent medical attention. Two doctors who were travelling on the flight assisted the man, administering oxygen while the aircraft made its diversion.

Ground teams at Shannon were alerted ahead of the unscheduled arrival. The National Ambulance Service was also dispatched to the airport to ensure immediate medical support upon landing.

The aircraft touched down safely at 3.32am, where paramedics and airport personnel were waiting on standby. The passenger was assessed on arrival before being transferred to hospital for further treatment.

Following the medical evacuation, the flight resumed its journey to Paris shortly after 5.00am.

The incident highlights the critical role of onboard medical assistance and coordinated emergency response in ensuring passenger safety during long-haul flights.