Pilot diverts plane after passenger becomes ill
A China Eastern Airlines' aircraft had to discharge tons of fuel and make a diverted landing on Wednesday after a passenger felt uncomfortable following takeoff.
The aircraft, on a flight from Shanghai's Pudong International Airport to London, dumped 39 tons of fuel to ensure a safe emergency landing, after the passenger suffered an accelerated heart beat, asthma and vomiting.
The passenger was taken into the business cabin, and two doctors who were passengers treated her.
The aircraft had just crossed the Chinese border when the captain decided to divert to Beijing Capital International Airport.
As the aircraft had been fully loaded for the long-haul international flight, the captain had to release the fuel to meet the jet's maximum landing weight.
The aircraft landed safely at the Beijing airport at 5:15pm, and the passenger was taken to a hospital where she is in a stable condition.