A Eurowings flight from Rhodes to Dusseldorf was forced to make a priority landing after several passengers fell ill with a suspected norovirus shortly after takeoff.

Emergency medical teams in hazmat suits were waiting on the runway for Eurowings Flight EW9631 at Dusseldorf Airport after the flight crew requested urgent medical assistance. Several videos on social media showed medical staff boarding the plane right after landing to treat the affected travellers.

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What Happened During The Flight

Passengers began showing symptoms shortly after takeoff from the Greek island of Rhodes on October 18, 2026. Passenger Nathalie Gombik, 28, said that several people started vomiting early in the flight.

"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,” The New York Post quoted Gombik as saying.

"At the time, we had no idea that a mass casualty incident had reportedly been declared, that numerous ambulances had been mobilised, or that our aircraft had reportedly been given priority for landing," Gombik added.

Passengers were kept inside the plane for about 90 minutes after landing while medical staff assessed the situation before allowing everyone to get off.

Airline Issues Statement

Following the incident, Eurowings issued a statement, stating that several passengers fell ill during the flight and received immediate medical attention upon arrival.

"The flight crew therefore requested a priority landing at Dusseldorf Airport. After landing, medical staff examined and cared for three affected guests on site. As a precaution, these guests went to hospital. All other guests continued their journeys home as normal," the airline stated.

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Norovirus Outbreak In Rhodes

The illness is believed to be linked to a norovirus outbreak on the island of Rhodes that started in July. Local health authorities reported that over 1,400 patients with similar symptoms were treated at Rhodes Hospital between August 10 and early October.

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