An Airbus A350 passenger aircraft operating Turkish Airlines’ San Francisco–Istanbul service made an unscheduled landing in Denmark’s capital, Copenhagen, due to a medical emergency on board.
Turkish Airlines flight TK80 departed San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for Istanbul Airport (IST) at 18:43 Pacific Standard Time on Friday, 12 December. While en route, the Airbus A350-941 registered TC-LGJ diverted after a passenger on board required urgent medical attention.
Decision to Divert at 39,000 Feet
While cruising at approximately 39,000 feet, the crew determined Copenhagen Airport (CPH) to be the most suitable alternate airport. In order to bring the medical emergency under control as quickly as possible, a decision was made to land in Copenhagen.
The Airbus A350 landed safely at Copenhagen Airport at 14:09 local time on Saturday, 13 December. Following the landing, medical teams were dispatched to the aircraft, and the unwell passenger was disembarked and taken for medical treatment.
Flight Planned to Continue to Istanbul
After the passenger’s evacuation and the completion of the necessary medical procedures, ground handling teams began preparations for the aircraft to continue its long-haul journey. It was reported that the Turkish Airlines aircraft was planned to resume its flight to Istanbul at approximately 16:00 local time.
