Ill passenger forces Phila.-bound flight from London to land in Canada

A US Airways flight from London to Philadelphia made an unscheduled landing at St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada today after a passenger became ill, and then was not allowed to take off again for more than seven hours because of a "security issue," the airline said.

Flight 731, from Gatwick Airport, was carrying 278 passengers when it was diverted about noon Philadelphia time.

Canadian authorities were investigating both the type of illness the passenger was suffering and another "security issue in connection with" her, Gee said. Canadian officials did not allow anyone off the Airbus A330 jet while the investigation was going on, he said.

The female traveler who became ill was removed on a stretcher and appeared to be unconscious, according to a passenger on the plane who asked not to be identified. Other passengers were served an afternoon snack while still on the ground, and while growing restless, were otherwise comfortable, the passenger said.