A United Airlines transatlantic flight was diverted to Ireland after the pilot reportedly fell unconscious.
The co-pilot of Flight UA-946 reported a medical emergency and assumed control of the plane, Irish media reported.
The flight departed Washington DC for Amsterdam carrying 70 passengers when it diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland early on Friday.
The airline declined to divulge exact details but confirmed the diversion was caused by a ‘medical issue.’
Reports cited sources saying the captain fell ill and was taken to hospital after landing.
As a result United’s Shannon-Newark flight was cancelled as the scheduled pilot was redeployed to complete the journey to Amsterdam.
"Our team at Shannon Airport provided assistance to customers of flight UA-946 which diverted to Shannon Airport because of a medical issue onboard. The aircraft landed safely and re-departed at 8:16am. We apologise to our customers for the inconvenience caused," a United spokesman said.
