American Airlines flight AAL161 from Athens to Chicago departed just after 11am on Monday, however it was forced to land in the Scottish capital.The flight had to be diverted to Edinburgh Airport (stock image)The flight had to be diverted to Edinburgh Airport (stock image)(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)

A flight bound for the United States has been diverted to Edinburgh after the pilot declared a ‘mid-air medical emergency’ onboard.

American Airlines flight AAL161 from Athens to Chicago departed just after 11am on Monday, however it was forced to land in the Scottish capital.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that an ’emergency’ took place onboard the aircraft.

A statement from FlightRadar24 on X, formally known as Twitter, reads: “#AA161, Athens-Chicago, diverting to Edinburgh.”

The flight touched down at Edinburgh Airport at around 2.40pm this afternoon.

After the situation was dealt with, the plane was due to take off again heading for Chicago at around 4.30pm.

The nature of the emergency is so far unclear.

United Airlines have been approached by Edinburgh Live for comment.

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