A KLM Royal Dutch Airlines flight from Rio de Janeiro to Amsterdam diverted to Tenerife South Airport on Monday morning after a medical emergency involving a passenger on board.
Flight KL706, operated by a Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, landed in the Canary Islands approximately seven hours after departing Brazil before continuing to Amsterdam following a brief ground stop.
Medical Emergency Over the Atlantic
KLM Flight KL706 departed Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport at around 22:00 local time on Sunday, 19 July, for its scheduled service to Amsterdam.
While crossing the South Atlantic, the flight crew decided to divert after a passenger required urgent medical attention. The airline has not disclosed the passenger’s identity or medical condition.
The aircraft, registered PH-BKC and named Vlijtig Liesje (“Busy Lizzie”), changed course toward Tenerife South Airport in Spain’s Canary Islands.
Landing in Tenerife
The Boeing 787-10 landed at Tenerife South Airport at approximately 09:30 local time on Monday, where emergency medical personnel were waiting to meet the aircraft.
After the passenger was transferred to medical services, the aircraft remained on the ground for about one hour to refuel and prepare for departure before resuming its flight to Amsterdam.
Arrival in Amsterdam
Following the stop in Tenerife, Flight KL706 continued to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, arriving approximately two hours behind its scheduled arrival time.
Why Tenerife Was Chosen
Although the flight was operating between Brazil and the Netherlands, Tenerife represented one of the most suitable diversion airports based on the aircraft’s position over the Atlantic, available airport infrastructure and operational planning.
For long-haul flights, flight crews assess several factors when selecting a diversion airport, including proximity, runway capabilities, weather conditions, medical facilities and the aircraft’s operational requirements. Tenerife South is a well-established diversion airport for transatlantic services due to its strategic location and ability to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
