Düsseldorf Airport activated a mass casualty response after several passengers fell ill on a Eurowings flight from Rhodes, with three people taken to hospital amid a suspected norovirus outbreak.
The incident occurred on flight EW-9631 from Rhodes to Düsseldorf on Sunday, when passengers began showing symptoms of the illness during the journey. Cabin crew requested a priority landing, and medics in protective suits boarded the aircraft after it touched down.
Passengers Hospitalized After Landing
Three passengers were subsequently taken to hospital, according to the Mirror. The illness is thought to be linked to a norovirus outbreak that has affected the Greek holiday island since July.
Passenger Nathalie Gombik, 28, from Breckerfeld, Germany, was travelling home with her partner. She described the scene: "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.
Crew Praised for Handling
Gombik commended the cabin crew for staying "calm" and "discreet" throughout the journey. She said passengers remained on board for 90 minutes before disembarking, and she began experiencing similar symptoms several days later.
A Eurowings spokesman confirmed the incident: "We can confirm that several guests on Eurowings flight EW9631 from Rhodes to Dusseldorf on 18 October 2026 felt very unwell during the flight."
Outbreak Context
The spokesman added that after landing, medical staff examined and cared for three affected guests, who went to hospital as a precaution. All other guests continued their journeys home as normal, with 212 guests and seven crew members on board. The cause of the symptoms is unclear and is being investigated.
Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported that more than 1,400 patients were suffering from gastrointestinal symptoms as of October 2, with the total number of cases since mid-July estimated at around 1,800, though the true figure is likely higher as it excludes those treated privately or not seeking hospital care.
