On April 22, 2024, American Airlines flight AA91, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with registration N829AN, made a dramatic diversion to Keflavik International Airport in Iceland. The plane, originally bound for Chicago from London, encountered a medical emergency onboard that necessitated a swift response from the crew.
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The seriousness of the situation was evident when the pilots declared a general emergency, squawking the emergency code 7700. This code signifies a critical situation on the aircraft and prompts immediate air traffic control (ATC) intervention. In response, ATC vectored the flight towards the nearest suitable airport, which in this case was Keflavik.
The decision to divert demonstrates the crew's commitment to prioritizing passenger safety. By landing as soon as possible, they ensured that the individual experiencing the medical emergency could receive proper medical attention on the ground.
Aviation sources and enthusiasts have been quick to commend the professionalism and decisive action displayed by the American Airlines crew. Their swift response and adherence to safety protocols are a testament to the high standards of training and experience within the airline. While details regarding the nature of the medical emergency have not been disclosed, the safe landing and the reported praise for the crew's handling of the situation offer a positive outcome to what could have been a harrowing experience for passengers onboard.