VIENNA- Etihad Airways (EY) confirmed that its long-haul service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) was diverted to Vienna (VIE) after a passenger on board required urgent medical attention.
Flight EY10, operated by an Airbus A350-1000, departed Chicago Today on 29 August 2025 and was mid-route across the Atlantic when the medical emergency prompted the diversion. The airline confirmed the event via a statement on X, adding that the passenger was provided immediate access to medical care upon landing in Austria.
Photo: FlightRadar24Etihad Flight Diverted to Vienna
According to Etihad Airways, Flight EY10 was en route from Chicago (ORD) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) with an expected flight time of around 12 hours and 30 minutes.
The 6.3-year-old aircraft, registered A6-XWA, was cruising over Europe when the crew decided to divert to Vienna International Airport (VIE).
The diversion was confirmed publicly when the airline responded to a passenger’s query on social media.
Etihad stated that the decision was made due to a guest requiring immediate medical treatment. No further details about the passenger’s condition have been disclosed.
Photo: Clément AlloingFlight EY10 on 29 August 2025 was operated using an Airbus A350-1041, Etihad’s newest-generation widebody aircraft designed for long-haul operations.
AirNav Radar Data shows the flight departed from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) at 13:55 local time, slightly later than scheduled, and was expected to arrive in Abu Dhabi (AUH) the following day. Instead, the flight diverted to Vienna (VIE), where medical teams met the aircraft.
Medical diversions, while uncommon, are a standard part of airline operations. Airlines maintain strict protocols for handling in-flight medical emergencies, including crew trained in first aid and the availability of onboard medical kits and defibrillators.
In cases where a passenger’s condition requires immediate hospital care, diversions are coordinated with air traffic control to ensure the fastest and safest landing option.
Photo: FlightRadar24Similar Incident
A few days back, on August 26, 2025, an Etihad Airways (EY) flight bound for Chicago (ORD) was forced to divert to Iqaluit (YFB) after a passenger required urgent medical attention.
Flight EY009 had departed Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) on Tuesday morning, scheduled to land at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Instead, it landed in Iqaluit at 6:50 a.m. local time to address the onboard medical emergency.
Etihad Airways confirmed that the diversion was due to a passenger needing immediate medical treatment. The airline, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, did not disclose the passenger’s identity or provide details on their medical condition. It also remains unclear whether the traveler continued onward to Chicago after receiving attention in Iqaluit.
The flight involved was operated by an Airbus A350-1000, one of the carrier’s flagship long-haul aircraft. After pausing in Iqaluit for nearly two and a half hours, the aircraft departed again at 9:13 a.m. local time to resume its journey across the Atlantic to Chicago.
Photo: EtihadIqaluit as a Diversion Point
Iqaluit Airport (YFB), located in Canada’s Nunavut territory, is occasionally used as an emergency diversion stop due to its long runway and ability to handle widebody aircraft. While it serves primarily regional flights, its location makes it a suitable option for transatlantic and polar route diversions when required.
Airlines operating long-haul flights over the Arctic region often plan Iqaluit as an alternate airport in case of medical, mechanical, or operational emergencies. The city has handled diversions from several international carriers in the past, underscoring its strategic role in global aviation.
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The post Two Etihad Airways Flight with A350 Diverted for Same Reason appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
