A Eurowings flight travelling from the Greek island of Rhodes to Düsseldorf was thrown into chaos on 18 October 2026 when multiple passengers began vomiting mid-flight, prompting the crew to declare a medical emergency and request priority landing at their German destination. The incident aboard flight EW9631 triggered a mass casualty response at Düsseldorf Airport, with medics boarding the plane in hazmat suits to treat those affected.
What happened on board Eurowings EW9631
With 212 passengers and seven crew members on board the Airbus A321-200, cabin crew noticed several travellers becoming seriously unwell during the flight. At least three passengers were confirmed ill, with reports suggesting up to six people were experiencing symptoms. The crew responded by requesting priority landing clearance, keeping the situation as calm and discreet as possible throughout.
Once the aircraft landed, passengers were held on board for approximately 90 minutes before being allowed to disembark. Emergency personnel in protective clothing met the plane on the tarmac, and three passengers were taken to hospital as a precaution. All remaining travellers were cleared to continue their journeys home.
A Eurowings spokesperson confirmed the sequence of events, saying the flight crew had acted swiftly after guests "felt very unwell during the flight." The airline added that the cause of the symptoms remains unclear and is being investigated, while stressing that the safety and health of passengers and crew is always its top priority. The aircraft itself was cleared to fly again the following day.
Passenger describes 'shocking' scene at Düsseldorf Airport
One passenger, Nathalie Gombik, described the experience as deeply unsettling, particularly the sight that greeted travellers upon landing. She said seeing so many ambulances and emergency personnel in protective clothing after touchdown was "quite shocking," noting that those on board had no idea during the flight that a mass casualty incident had reportedly been declared or that priority landing had been arranged.
Ms Gombik said she was aware of at least three confirmed cases of illness during the flight, but believed around three more passengers were also showing symptoms, with some vomiting during the journey. Despite the distressing circumstances, she praised the cabin crew for remaining calm and handling the situation discreetly throughout. Ms Gombik herself began feeling unwell two days after the flight, raising further concern about the reach of the suspected infection.
Norovirus outbreak on Rhodes the likely cause
Health concerns on Rhodes are not new. A norovirus outbreak has been active on the Greek island since July, and the highly contagious viral infection, which commonly causes vomiting and diarrhoea, is considered the most likely culprit behind the mid-flight illness. Norovirus spreads rapidly in close quarters, making the confined environment of an aircraft particularly vulnerable once a case is present.
Authorities have not yet officially confirmed norovirus as the cause of the illnesses on EW9631, and the airline has indicated the investigation is ongoing. The incident does, however, highlight the risks that can arise when disease outbreaks are active in popular tourist destinations during peak travel periods. Rhodes is one of the Mediterranean's busiest holiday islands, drawing large numbers of visitors throughout summer and into autumn.
For travellers concerned about infectious disease outbreaks affecting their holidays, health authorities generally recommend frequent hand washing, avoiding contact with visibly unwell individuals, and seeking medical advice promptly if symptoms develop during or after travel. Anyone who was on board EW9631 and has since developed symptoms consistent with norovirus is advised to contact their doctor.
