An Emirates flight from Dubai to London Heathrow diverted to Frankfurt on Thursday after a passenger suffered a medical emergency onboard, the airline said, with the crew transmitting the 7700 general emergency code before the diversion, Gulf News reported.

Emirates confirmed on X that flight EK31, operated by an Airbus A380-800, diverted on October 1. The aircraft landed safely in Frankfurt, where the passenger disembarked and received further medical attention.

The airline reported that its cabin crew provided assistance to the passenger during the flight and arranged for medical support upon arrival. No details about the passenger's condition were immediately available.

"We apologise to customers for the delay," Emirates said, adding that the health and safety of passengers and crew remained its highest priority.

Citing flight-tracking information from AIRLIVE, Gulf News said EK31 was cruising at around 40,000 feet when the crew squawked 7700, the international transponder code for a general emergency. The aircraft then descended and diverted to Frankfurt instead of continuing to Heathrow.

The flight had left Dubai International Airport shortly after 11:25 am UAE time. Emirates said the aircraft was expected to resume its journey from Frankfurt to Heathrow at about 6 pm local time on October 1. The diversion delayed onward travel for passengers bound for London.

WHAT SQUAWK 7700 MEANS

Flight crews use Squawk 7700 to alert air traffic controllers to a general emergency. It can be used for a medical emergency, a technical problem, or any other situation requiring urgent assistance. The code does not indicate the nature of the emergency.

By comparison, squawk 7500 signals unlawful interference, such as a suspected hijacking or security threat, while 7600 indicates a loss of radio communication with air traffic control.

FLYDUBAI INCIDENT

The 7500 code drew attention after a flydubai incident on September 30, Gulf News said. Flight FZ1073, from Dubai to Tel Aviv, diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia after an incident in the cockpit. The crew transmitted 7700, followed by 7500.

Gulf News reported that preliminary investigations by Saudi authorities and a UAE security team have focused on a cockpit altercation. Both crew members were treated after the incident, and authorities have urged against speculation while investigations continue.

Source: Gulf News