Ryanair

Oxygen masks came down and passengers were seen bleeding from the ears as the pressure dropped in the cabin, a passenger on the flight told The Irish Times.

Frankfurt police said that 33 passengers were taken to hospital complaining of headache and earache and suffering from nausea, according to news website Spiegel Online.

The plane’s crew made an emergency signal before deciding to cut their journey short and land in the German city.

Passengers on flight FR7312 were met by ambulances at Frankfurt airport but those who did not seek medical assistance were not accommodated in hotels by the airline, a passenger told The Irish Times.

A flight from Frankfurt to Zadar in Croatia for 9.40am has been arranged for those passengers who wish to continue to their destination.

Ryanair released a statement saying: “This flight from Dublin to Zadar (13 July) diverted to Frankfurt Hahn due to an inflight depressurisation. In line with standard procedure, the crew deployed oxygen masks and initiated a controlled descent. The aircraft landed normally and customers disembarked, where a small number received medical attention as a precaution.

“Customers were provided with refreshment vouchers and hotel accommodation was authorised, however there was a shortage of available accommodation. Customers will board a replacement aircraft which will depart to Zadar this morning and Ryanair sincerely apologised for any inconvenience.”

When it was put to Ryanair that German police said 33 people had been taken to hospital the airline said they would not comment any further.

Meanwhile, a light aircraft has crashed at Oban Airport in Argyll and Bute.  Police said they were called to the airport at about 14:05.

No-one was injured. It is thought there were three people on board the plane which ended up off the runway near the beach.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Emergency services are in attendance. Inquiries to establish the cause of the crash are ongoing.”