An air ambulance transporting two patients suspected of hantavirus infection from Cabo Verde to the Netherlands has made an unexpected stop in Gran Canaria around 4:00 PM. This diversion occurred after Morocco denied the aircraft entry for refueling purposes. The flight, which originated from Praia International Airport at 11:00 AM, was initially scheduled to stop in Marrakech for fuel before continuing to Amsterdam, where it was expected to arrive by 5:00 PM local time.
According to sources from the Government Delegation and the Ministry of Health in the Canary Islands, the stop in Gran Canaria was not part of the original flight plan. However, it was authorized under the condition that no passengers would board or disembark from the aircraft during this technical stop. The authorities have confirmed that the plane is currently on the island to refuel before resuming its journey.
This incident has heightened tensions between the Spanish government and the Canary Islands government concerning the MV Hondius cruise ship, which is carrying 147 people. The Spanish government agreed to the World Health Organization's request to redirect the ship to Tenerife, a decision that has faced opposition from the autonomous community. The situation continues to evolve as health officials monitor the patients and the cruise ship's status.
As reported by cope.es.
