A suspected norovirus outbreak on a Eurowings flight from Rhodes to Düsseldorf prompted a mass casualty response at Düsseldorf Airport, with three passengers taken to hospital.
Passengers on flight EW-9631 from Rhodes to Düsseldorf in Germany on Sunday began experiencing symptoms of the condition during the journey. The cabin crew requested a priority landing at Düsseldorf Airport, a Eurowings spokesman confirmed.
Medics in "hazmat suits" were seen boarding the aircraft after it touched down as the airport triggered its "mass casualty" response, according to German outlet aero.de. Three passengers were subsequently taken to hospital, reports the Mirror.
Outbreak Linked to Rhodes
The illness is believed to be linked to a norovirus outbreak that has swept across the Greek holiday island of Rhodes since July. Norovirus, often known as the winter vomiting bug, causes vomiting and diarrhoea, the NHS explains.
Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported that more than 1,400 patients were experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms as of October 2. At the time, the newspaper said the total number of cases recorded since mid-July was closer to 1,800. However, it says the actual figure is likely to be higher, as it did not include people treated privately or did not seek hospital treatment.
Passenger Account
Nathalie Gombik, 28, from Breckerfeld, Germany, was on board the plane as she was flying home from holiday with her partner. She said: "Seeing so many ambulances and emergency personnel in protective clothing after landing was quite shocking."
"During the flight, several passengers became ill. I know for certain that three passengers were affected, but it appeared that approximately three more were also experiencing symptoms. Some passengers were vomiting during the flight," she added.
Gombik praised the cabin crew of the German airline for remaining "calm" and "discreet" throughout the flight. She continued: "At the time, we had no idea that a mass casualty incident had reportedly been declared, that numerous ambulances had been mobilised or that our aircraft had reportedly been given priority for landing."
She says passengers remained on the plane for 90 minutes before they were allowed off. Gombik added that she began experiencing similar symptoms on Tuesday, several days after the flight.
Eurowings Statement
A Eurowings spokesman said: "We can confirm that several guests on Eurowings flight EW9631 from Rhodes to Dusseldorf on 18 October 2026 felt very unwell during the flight."
"The flight crew therefore requested a priority landing at Dusseldorf Airport. After landing, medical staff examined and cared for three affected guests on site. As a precaution, these guests went to hospital."
"All other guests continued their journeys home as normal. There were 212 guests and seven crew members on board. The cause of the symptoms is unclear and is being looked into. The safety and health of our guests and crews is always Eurowings' top priority."
