Düsseldorf Airport declares mass casualty event as 'norovirus outbreak' erupts on flight

Düsseldorf Airport declares mass casualty event as 'norovirus outbreak' erupts on flight Düsseldorf Airport reportedly activated its mass casualty response after multiple passengers fell ill during a Eurowings flight Several passengers on board a Eurowings flight fell ill with suspected norovirus amid an outbreak on the Greek island of Rhodes, according to reports. Passengers began experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms during flight EW-9631 from Rhodes to Düsseldorf, Germany, on Sunday evening. The cabin crew requested a priority landing at Düsseldorf Airport, a Eurowings spokesperson said. The airport activated its mass casualty response after being alerted to the incident, according to German news site aero.de. Medics in "hazmat suits" were seen boarding the plane upon landing. Three passengers were taken to hospital, the spokesperson for the German airline said. The illnesses are suspected to be linked to a norovirus outbreak on Rhodes that has been recorded since July. Norovirus, commonly known as the winter vomiting bug, causes vomiting and diarrhoea, the NHS says. Greek newspaper Kathimerini reported on October 2 that more than 1,400 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms - attributed to the outbreak - had been treated at Rhodes Hospital since August 10. At the time, the newspaper said the total number of cases recorded since mid-July was close to 1,800. However, it added that the actual figure was likely to be higher, as it did not include patients treated by private doctors or those who had not sought hospital treatment. Nathalie Gombik, 28, from Breckerfeld, Germany, was on board the plane as she was flying home from holiday with her partner. "Seeing so many ambulances and emergency personnel in protective clothing after landing was quite shocking," she said. "During the flight, several passengers became ill. 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." Nathalie praised the Eurowings cabin crew for remaining "calm" and "discreet" throughout the flight. "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," she added. She said passengers had to remain on board for around 90 minutes before they were allowed to disembark. Nathalie added that she began experiencing similar symptoms on Tuesday, several days after the flight. A Eurowings spokesperson said: "We can confirm that several guests on Eurowings flight EW9631 from Rhodes to Dusseldorf on 18 October 2026 felt very unwell during the flight. "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. "There were 212 guests and seven crew members on board. The cause of the symptoms is unclear and is being looked into. The safety and health of our guests and crews is always Eurowings' top priority." The NHS says norovirus spreads through close contact with infected people, contaminated surfaces, infected food or water, and food prepared by someone carrying the virus. While unpleasant, symptoms usually improve within about two days.