A transatlantic jet has diverted to Shannon after a baby fell ill on board.
The Air France AF-636 was travelling from Paris to Houston in the US and was about five hours into it’s journey, when the parents of a young baby expressed concern about the infant’s condition, and a medical emergency was declared.
The flight crew contacted air traffic controllers in Ireland and requested clearance to turn around and divert to Shannon.
The crew dumped thousands of litres of aviation fuel over the Atlantic to ensure the jet touched down within safe landing limits.
The flight landed safely at 12.40 where a HSE ambulance and local doctor were waiting.
The child was taken to University Hospital Limerick while the flight continued its journey shortly after 2.30pm.
