Health experts ‘working with all concerned’ after Hantavirus evacuation flight – laois-nationalist.ie

Two Irish nationals have returned to Ireland following their evacuation from the MV Hondius, a cruise ship affected by Hantavirus. The passengers arrived in the country on Sunday, May 10, 2026, via a Government jet that traveled from Tenerife in the Canary Islands to Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel.

The aircraft landed back at the military air base in west Co Dublin shortly after 9 p.m. On Sunday. Upon their return, the two individuals were transferred to a facility managed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) for monitoring and quarantine, a measure that aligns with international public health guidance.

Quarantine and Monitoring Protocols

The Chief Medical Officer has confirmed that the Irish passengers are isolating in the HSE-run facility for a period of 42 days. This extended isolation period is part of the public health strategy to manage the potential spread of the virus and ensure the health of the returning citizens.

Reports indicate that the passengers had already been following isolation protocols while aboard the MV Hondius. They are described as being in good health.

Government and Public Health Response

Speaking in Waterford on Monday, May 11, 2026, Taoiseach Micheál Martin expressed satisfaction that the two citizens had returned safely to Ireland and remained healthy.

We wish them well, and we appreciate the tolerance and patience that they have shown through what has been a very trying period.

Micheál Martin

The Taoiseach further noted that public health specialists are managing the situation and are working with all concerned.

International Coordination

The response to the Hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius has involved significant international coordination. The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General issued a message to the people of Tenerife regarding the hantavirus response as the vessel docked in the Canary Islands on Sunday morning.

While the Irish nationals were flown home on Sunday, other passengers were also transported to their respective home countries. It has been reported that the final evacuees from the ship are scheduled to be flown to the Netherlands.

The coordination between the Irish government, the HSE, and international health bodies remains ongoing to ensure that all protocols are followed during the 42-day isolation period for the returning passengers.