Two Etihad Airways A350 Flights Diverted for Identical Reasons

Etihad Flight Diverted to Vienna

Etihad Airways (EY) has confirmed that its long-haul flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) had to be diverted to Vienna (VIE) due to a passenger in need of urgent medical assistance.

Flight EY10, utilizing an Airbus A350-1000, took off from Chicago on August 29, 2025. The aircraft was over the Atlantic when the medical emergency necessitated the diversion. The airline issued a statement on X, confirming that medical help was immediately available upon landing in Austria.

Details of the Diversion

Etihad Airways noted that Flight EY10, initially expected to take around 12 hours and 30 minutes, was diverted while cruising over Europe. The Airbus A350-1000, registered as A6-XWA, was forced to redirect to Vienna International Airport (VIE).

The airline confirmed on social media that the decision was made in light of a passenger needing immediate medical care. However, no further details about the individual’s condition were released.

Flight EY10, designed for long-haul routes, was planning to land in Abu Dhabi the next day. Instead, it landed in Vienna where medical professionals were ready to assist.

While such medical diversions are rare, they are part of standard procedures that airlines follow during in-flight emergencies. Crew members are trained in first aid, and medical kits are readily available onboard.

Similar Incidents Involving Etihad

On August 26, 2025, another incident occurred involving an Etihad Airways flight bound for Chicago (ORD). That flight was rerouted to Iqaluit (YFB) after a passenger required urgent medical care, demonstrating the complexities and occasional necessity of flight diversions.

Flight EY009 took off from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and was expected to reach Chicago. However, it made an emergency landing in Iqaluit at 6:50 a.m. local time for medical reasons.

After a brief stop in Iqaluit for medical assistance lasting nearly two and a half hours, the flight resumed its journey to Chicago.

Iqaluit as a Diversion Point

Iqaluit Airport (YFB), located in Canada’s Nunavut territory, serves as a suitable emergency diversion stop due to its long runway and capacity to accommodate widebody aircraft. While primarily a regional airport, it is often utilized for transatlantic and polar route emergencies.

Airlines operating long-haul flights frequently select Iqaluit as an alternate airport for various emergencies, including medical or mechanical issues. Its strategic position has made it a vital asset for international aviation.