In a recent incident, an air ambulance transporting two patients suspected of having contracted the Hantavirus from Cape Verde to the Netherlands was forced to change its course towards the Spanish Canary Islands. This unexpected detour occurred after a technical malfunction affected the aircraft's health isolation system, compounded by the refusal of Moroccan authorities to permit an emergency landing at Marrakech Airport for necessary repairs.
According to reports from Spanish media, the flight had taken off from Praia International Airport in Cape Verde en route to Amsterdam as part of a medical evacuation linked to the cruise ship 'MV Hondius.' This vessel has been at the center of an international health alert following suspected cases of Hantavirus onboard. Initially, the flight plan included a technical stop in Marrakech for refueling; however, a sudden failure in the "health isolation bubble," a crucial system designed to prevent the transmission of infections during patient transport, prompted the crew to urgently seek landing approval for repairs.
Despite the crew's requests, Moroccan authorities did not grant permission for the aircraft to land, leading to a reroute to Gran Canaria Airport, which was deemed the closest alternative equipped to handle the technical and health situation of the aircraft. The Spanish government delegation in the Canary Islands confirmed that the aircraft was allowed to land under strict conditions, notably prohibiting any passengers from boarding or disembarking, a protocol that was adhered to throughout the technical stop.
Air traffic reports indicated that the flight was expected to resume its journey to Amsterdam shortly after its stop; however, subsequent adjustments to the flight plan were made, including the potential for a stop in the Spanish city of Malaga before reaching the Netherlands. This incident unfolds within the broader context of an international health mobilization related to the 'MV Hondius,' which carries 146 individuals and is under scrutiny due to suspected Hantavirus infections. Hantavirus is a rare virus primarily transmitted by rodents, and currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment available.
As reported by ar.telquel.ma.
