Eurowings flight reports possible norovirus outbreak during final approach to Düsseldorf

Three passengers were taken to the hospital after a suspected norovirus outbreak on Eurowings flight EW-9631 from Rhodes to Düsseldorf on October 18. The Airbus A321-200, carrying 215 passengers and crew returning from holiday, landed safely at around 22:00 after a three-and-a-half hour flight from Rhodes International Airport.

Emergency services declared a critical incident upon arrival. Twelve first responder vehicles, including ambulances and fire crews, met the aircraft at Düsseldorf Airport. Medical personnel in protective clothing boarded to assess passengers. While three people were transported to a hospital for precautionary care, the situation did not require treatment of large numbers of people. Several other passengers were examined by paramedics but did not need hospital transport. All passengers remained on the aircraft until approximately 23:30.

Health response

Authorities activated a precautionary mass-casualty response due to the unclear number of affected passengers. The local fire department declared a 'mass attack of injured.' Eurowings confirmed three passengers received medical attention and were taken to hospital as a precaution. The cause of the symptoms remains under investigation. Reports of a gastrointestinal infection, including norovirus, have not been officially confirmed. The illness was not linked to a fume event or any aircraft system issue.

Contagion details

Norovirus is highly contagious and can spread through contaminated surfaces or aerosolized particles. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, chills, and fever. The CDC has stated the virus is "very contagious" and can spread very easily and quickly. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against it; thorough hand washing with soap and water is required. A passenger reported that cabin crew began wearing face masks during the flight.

Context and comparison

This incident follows a similar mass gastrointestinal event on a commercial flight earlier in the year. In May 2024, up to 70 passengers fell ill on a Condor Airways flight from Mauritius to Frankfurt. A comparison of the two incidents is below.

In both cases, the pilots and flight attendants were not affected. A study has suggested that airport public cellphone charging stations carry the highest risk of norovirus cross-contamination. The incident did not affect Eurowings' remaining flight schedule. The aircraft, registration D-AIDT, was removed from service for deep cleaning after the incident.