An American Airlines flight headed from Dallas to Beijing has landed safely in Calgary. It was diverted due to an “ill passenger, and subsequently, an indication of a mechanical issue,” the airline said.
The airline told CTV Calgary that the Boeing 787-8 was first diverted to the Edmonton airport but the plane was then rerouted to Calgary International Airport, which has a longer runway.
There are 209 passengers and 13 crew on board, according to the airline. The plane was forced to burn some fuel, “to reduce the landing weight,” the airline said.
It could be seen on Flight Tracker circling over Alberta and landed shortly before 7 p.m. EST.
The airline said passengers will stay overnight in hotels. A plane was being sent from Dallas to take them on to Beijing.
“Our maintenance team will also be on that flight,” the airline said.
American Airlines would not disclose what type of medical incident occurred. Calgary EMS said they did not transport any passengers from the aircraft.
With a report from CTV Calgary’s Jordan Kanygin
