Published: October 23, 2026
Three passengers were taken to hospital after several travellers suddenly became unwell aboard a Eurowings flight from the Greek island of Rhodes to Düsseldorf, Germany. The incident prompted the crew to request a priority landing so that medical teams could assist passengers as soon as the aircraft arrived.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening, October 18, aboard flight EW9631, operated by an Airbus A321. Emergency services were waiting at Düsseldorf Airport when the aircraft landed at approximately 10 p.m. local time.
Although a possible norovirus infection was mentioned in media reports, the cause of the passengers' symptoms has not been officially confirmed.
What Happened on Eurowings Flight EW9631?
According to statements attributed to Eurowings and reported by German media, several passengers experienced significant discomfort during the flight from Rhodes to Düsseldorf.
The cockpit crew requested priority landing to ensure that medical personnel would be available immediately after arrival. The aircraft landed safely at its destination, where emergency services and medical teams were ready to respond.
The flight was carrying 212 passengers and seven crew members, according to reports quoting the airline. Three passengers were assessed by medical personnel and taken to hospital as a precaution.
The incident triggered a large emergency response because the authorities initially did not know how many people might require medical assistance. Ambulances and firefighters attended the aircraft.
Despite the response, reports indicated that regular airport operations were not disrupted by the incident.
Was Norovirus Responsible?
A possible norovirus infection was discussed after several passengers reportedly developed gastrointestinal symptoms. However, Eurowings said that the cause of the illness remained unclear and was being investigated.
There has been no confirmed public finding establishing that norovirus caused the incident on flight EW9631. It is therefore too early to describe the event as a confirmed outbreak.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain. Symptoms can begin after exposure to an infected person, contaminated food or drink, or contaminated surfaces.
However, similar symptoms can have other causes. Without confirmed test results or an official health authority finding, the specific illness affecting the passengers cannot be established.
How Did the Airline Respond?
Eurowings confirmed that several passengers had become seriously unwell during the flight and that the crew requested priority landing. The airline said passenger and crew safety remained its highest priority.
The three passengers who required further medical attention were taken to hospital as a precaution. Other passengers were able to continue their journeys after the incident.
The airline's statement did not establish the precise cause of the symptoms. Further conclusions about a possible infectious disease would require confirmation from the relevant medical or public health authorities.
Why Priority Landings Matter in Medical Emergencies
When several passengers become unwell during a flight, cabin crew must assess the situation and communicate with the flight deck. Depending on the symptoms and the advice available, pilots may request priority handling so that medical assistance can be provided quickly after landing.
A priority landing does not necessarily mean that an aircraft has suffered a technical failure or is in danger of crashing. It can be requested to reduce the time before passengers receive medical attention.
In this case, the aircraft landed at its intended destination, Düsseldorf, where emergency services were ready to assist the affected travellers.
What Travellers Should Know
The incident highlights the challenges airlines face when multiple passengers become ill during a flight. However, it does not establish that the aircraft, the airline or the destination was responsible for the symptoms.
Travellers who develop severe or rapidly worsening symptoms while flying should notify cabin crew immediately. Passengers should also follow medical advice and appropriate hygiene precautions when gastrointestinal illness is suspected.
For now, the key facts are that several passengers became unwell aboard Eurowings flight EW9631, three were taken to hospital, and the suspected norovirus connection remains unconfirmed.
Sources
- Ouest-France — Suspected norovirus aboard a Eurowings flight
- Aviation24.be — Three passengers hospitalised after illness on Eurowings flight
- RTL Germany — Several passengers fall ill on Eurowings flight from Rhodes
The cause of the passengers' illness has not been confirmed. The suspected norovirus link should not be treated as an established diagnosis or confirmed outbreak.
