But, the ailing person could not be saved

New Delhi, Nov 9 (DHNS): An emergency landing in Karachi will be the last thing on the mind of a pilot operating an Indian flight when tension between India and Pakistan is at its zenith.

A Jet Airways pilot did just that in the wee hours of Tuesday when a passenger on board developed medical problems mid-air. As many as 141 passengers were on board the Boeing 737 aircraft.

The pilot of the 9W 202 that departed from Delhi for Doha had to choose between flying back to Delhi or landing in Karachi, which was closer, and he chose the second option.

The flight landed in Karachi airport around 2 AM with the Karachi Air Traffic Control (ATC) extending all help as per the international obligation. They informed their counterparts in Delhi. Despite the best efforts, the passenger could not be saved.

“Our flight 9W 202 of Nov 7 from Delhi to Doha was diverted to Karachi due to a medical health emergency on board. Since one of the guests developed a medical condition, the Captain decided to land at the nearest airport, given the emergency,” the airline said in a statement. Medical assistance was coordinated prior to the flight's arrival.

However, the passenger succumbed on arrival in Karachi, it said.

The aircraft returned to the capital on Tuesday morning. The staff has made arrangements to hand over the body to the authorities as per standard operating procedure.

“Guests have deplaned and our Delhi airport team is providing all required assistance, including refreshments & hotel accommodation,” the airline said.

“We regret the incident and convey our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. We have taken utmost care to ensure that the family of the deceased is duly informed and also providing all the required assistance,” it added.

The airline is accommodating the other passengers, who missed connecting flights due to the detour, on alternative flights, it said.