A330
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Physiological - Other
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
After Take Off; the Flight Attendant (FA) at 2L noticed a strange rubber burning smell; which dissipated quickly; but she had a tingling feeling in her throat. The Lead FA informed us only a few other crewmembers had initially noticed the smell as well; but it seemed to be gone. I had the lead FA check the entire cabin for any fumes or indications of problems and he again informed me that the cabin was clear of any smells. We had no cockpit indications of any problems and no passenger complaints of any smells or problems; so we continued on with the flight while monitoring the situation. Approximately an hour later; the Lead FA reported a few flight attendants complained of red eyes and felt a little dizzy.  One of our FAs; who is a certified EMT; looked at them and reported back that he put one FA on oxygen and that he started to feel itchy eyes as well; but seemed ok. He checked with the other crewmembers and reported back saying some additional crewmembers also had red eyes and were feeling dizzy. He then put one more FA on Oxygen. It was again reported that no passengers complained of any fumes or having any health issues at any time.  We contacted Medlink and Dispatch to confer with a doctor. They instructed us to see if any physicians were on board; since the crewmember with EMT credentials had some of the symptoms too. It took quite a while to coordinate all of this as the Lead FA was not getting all the needed information and too many crewmembers were getting involved.  At this point; there were only two pilots on duty; so we woke up the resting IRO to help out. He stated that his throat was somewhat sore as well; but felt okay and could help us. We still had no issues with any passengers at the time; which was quite a mystery as why only crewmembers would be affected. This complicated the issue for us. While getting all the data to Medlink; four FAs with varying symptoms and getting their vitals from three different doctors was quite time consuming. As the Medlink doctor and I discussed the ability of our crew to continue with their duties safely; another Flight Attendant reportedly started having symptoms.  At this point the three working pilots decided we could not continue on safely and jointly made the decision to divert. At this point; we woke up the fourth pilot to help the back end crew with anything they needed. We conferred with Medlink and the dispatcher and we all jointly decided it would be best to divert. We declared a medical emergency and was given a clearance to ZZZ.  Once we talked to Approach; we declared an emergency because we were landing overweight and to have equipment standing by. The approach and landing went normally and we had no problems stopping the aircraft safely.Once we got to the parking pad; the medical team came on board to assess the situation.  They took three of the Flight Attendants most affected by ambulance to the First Aid Clinic at the airport.  With no jet bridge; no company agents; and because of the rainy weather; we kept the remainder of the crew on board to help with the 147 passengers while we sorted out the situation. The company informs the staff to get to the airport and the airport authority deplanes the passengers safely to the terminal. The company asked if we could ferry the aircraft; but at this point; our IRO is complaining of a bad sore throat and is unable to continue working as well.  After all passengers were safely off the plane; the remaining flight attendants wanted to go to the clinic to be medically checked out and I concurred this was a good idea. I informed dispatch and the flight was then cancelled and scheduling released us to go to the hotel. The station manager came to the airplane and did a great job assisting the crew to the clinic and getting transportation and hotel facilities organized. Considering the time; early a.m.; I considered this an outstanding job and appreciated his dedication. The clinic doctor cleared all crewmembers; including the ones taken by ambulance and advised them to monitor themselves and let someone know if symptoms get worse. We made it to the hotel four hours after landing.Maintenance said they found some plastic remnants in an oven.  I told them that the oven was not on when the initial smell occurred.  They checked and determined that it could have come from bad wiring or a transformer and put the oven on MEL for further inspection. If they do not find any other indications of problems with the oven than the plastic; they need to inspect the entire aircraft for other possible causes.
A330 Flight Attendants inform the Captain of a strange burnt rubber smell shortly after takeoff that quickly dissipates. An hour into the flight the Captain is informed that several flight attendants have red eyes and felt dizzy. Soon more flight attendants begin to feel ill along with a relief pilot. On board physicians are requested and Medlink is contacted. In the end; the flight diverts to a suitable airport and the flight is canceled. None of the passengers seemed to be affected.