News: Emirates passenger jet flying from London to Dubai was forced to divert to Munich this a.m because...

A passenger jet flying from London to Dubai has been forced to divert to Munich this morning after a 'medical emergency' on board.

Emirates flight EK8, which departed from Heathrow Airport this morning, was due to arrive in the United Arab Emirates at 8pm local time - but was instructed instead to land in the German city.

Data from the flight monitoring website flightradar24 appeared to show that the aircraft changed course over Germany. 

But an Emirates spokesman said this morning: 'Emirates flight EK0008 from London Heathrow to Dubai on 13 January was diverted to Munich, Germany due to a passenger medical emergency. 

'The passenger has been assisted off the aircraft to receive medical attention. 

'Emirates apologises for any inconvenience but the safety of our passengers and crew is always of paramount importance.'

The aircraft took off from Heathrow Airport's Terminal 3 at about 9.10am today for what was expected to be a nonstop flight lasting six hours and 50 minutes.  

A spokesman from Munich Airport told MailOnline the aircraft landed at 12.20pm local time but there was no indication of when the jet would resume its journey.