Air Europa plane diverted to Brazil after technical issues and tick infestation

An Air Europa Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating flight AEA024 from Asunción to Madrid, was forced to make an emergency landing in Salvador de Bahía, Brazil, due to technical issues and reports of a tick infestation.

Passengers reported seeing ticks on seats, blankets, and bags, with some travelers sustaining bites during the flight. One passenger noted that a flight attendant used insecticide to address the insects mid-flight. The aircraft, named ‘RCD Mallorca’, requires maintenance before it can return to service. While images showed work being performed on an engine, Air Europa stated that the turbine is not damaged.

Following the diversion, approximately 300 passengers faced difficulties securing accommodation, with some reporting delays of up to four hours and a lack of airline personnel on the ground. Air Europa apologized for the inconvenience, stating the diversion followed safety protocols. The airline announced that a larger Boeing 787-9 will handle the return flight this Saturday to accommodate as many passengers as possible, while others will be rebooked on alternative flights.