KLM flight from Amsterdam to Vancouver declares emergency

A KLM flight operating from Amsterdam to Vancouver has declared an emergency in the last few moments and is currently diverting.

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KLM KL681 Amsterdam – Vancouver Return to Amsterdam (AMS)Update 15:10 UTC Update 15:25 UTC Update 15:30 UTC

KLM flight KL681, an Airbus A330 operating from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) declared an emergency with squawk code 7700 whilst transiting Scottish airspace.

The flight is currently initiating a diversion from track and has presently altered course to the south.

KLM KL681 Amsterdam – Vancouver

Flight track of KLM flight KL681 from Amsterdam to Vancouver showing diversion and return to Amsterdam.

Flight data shows KLM flight KL681 was established in the cruise at FL320 (32,000 feet) and crossing the United Kingdom when it declared the general emergency at 14:31 UTC with code 7700.

Return to Amsterdam (AMS)

It appears the flight will return to Amsterdam (AMS) from present position. Flight is currently maintaining FL270 and adjusting course to the east.

The nature of the emergency prompting the decision to return to AMS is unclear at this stage. Aircraft conducting this afternoon’s KL681 rotation is an Airbus A330-203 registered PH-AOE; a 17-year old widebody aircraft belonging to the carrier KLM.

The flight made a delayed departure out of Amsterdam today – showing an actual time of departure of 14:12 local time (13:12 UTC) against a scheduled departure time of 12:55 local.

Update 15:10 UTC

With the flight now having clearing the mainland United Kingdom and established on a direct track back to AMS at FL270, it is understood that the possible cause of this afternoon’s emergency return was a medical issue onboard.

Expected weather for the flight’s return to AMS this afternoon is Limited Instrument Flight Conditions (LIFR), with a 300 foot cloudbase and 4 kilometres visibility in mist.