Flight in India makes emergency stop after passenger dies onboard
IndiGo confirms incident, offers support to family
DUBAI: An IndiGo flight en route from Mumbai to Varanasi was forced to make an emergency landing late on Sunday night after an 89-year-old woman, identified as Sushila Devi from Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, passed away onboard.
The incident occurred shortly after flight 6E-5028 departed from Mumbai on April 6.
Indian media reports confirm that the passenger began feeling unwell mid-air, prompting the crew to declare a medical emergency and request a priority landing at the nearest available airport. The flight was diverted to Chikalthana Airport in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and landed around 10:00PM local time.
Medical response activated
Emergency teams were on standby as the aircraft landed. Medical personnel rushed to the plane to assist the ailing passenger, but despite immediate intervention, she was pronounced dead onboard. Airport officials confirmed to Indian media the woman had already succumbed before landing.
“Flight 6E-5028, flying from Mumbai to Varanasi, was diverted to Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) on April 6, as a result of a medical emergency onboard. Despite immediate medical care, the passenger's condition did not get better and was pronounced dead onboard,” IndiGo said in an official statement released on Monday.
Formalities and follow-up
After the aircraft was grounded, the local MIDC CIDCO police station was informed and began the necessary legal procedures. The body was then transferred to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for a post-mortem examination and documentation.
The airline confirmed that all standard operating protocols were followed throughout the emergency and added that the safety of all passengers and crew was ensured. IndiGo also noted that it has remained in constant contact with the family of the deceased, offering full support and assistance.
Once formalities were concluded, the flight resumed its journey to Varanasi. Officials confirmed that all other passengers were safe, and the situation was managed as per aviation emergency protocols.