KLM flight KL706 from Rio de Janeiro (GIG) to Amsterdam (Boeing 787-10 registered PH-BKC) made an emergency diversion to Tenerife South Airport on Sunday after a 67-year-old passenger suffered a suspected heart attack during the flight.
Although the aircraft was outside Canary Islands airspace when the medical emergency occurred, the crew requested an immediate diversion to Tenerife, which was deemed the most suitable airport for a priority landing.
Air traffic controllers cleared the aircraft for the most direct route to Tenerife South, reducing the approach time to allow the passenger to receive urgent medical treatment as quickly as possible.
Emergency services were mobilised ahead of the aircraft’s arrival, and medical teams met the flight on the apron after it landed approximately one hour and 15 minutes after the emergency was declared. The passenger was stabilised before being transferred to hospital for further treatment.
El vuelo en ruta Río-Ámsterdam, transitando por fuera de espacio aéreo de #Canarias sufre una urgencia médica a bordo (pasajera de 67 años que sufre posible infarto).
La tripulación decide desviarse al aeropuerto de #Tenerife Sur para atender a la pasajera. Se coordina con el… pic.twitter.com/SPdrIUQxBo— ?Controladores Aéreos ?? (@controladores) July 20, 2026