Iraqi Airways flight diverted to Kolkata due to medical emergency

An Iraqi Airways flight from Baghdad to Guangzhou was diverted to Kolkata on September 25, 2024, after a 16-year-old female passenger, Dekan Sameer Ahmed, collapsed onboard. The aircraft, carrying 100 passengers and 15 crew members, landed safely at Kolkata Airport at 10:18 pm. Upon landing, the APHO medical team immediately attended to the passenger, who had no pulse or heartbeat, and referred her to Charnock Hospital for further medical evaluation.

Ahmed, along with two companions, was offloaded from the flight at 1:18 am. After completing the formalities, she was transported by an AAI ambulance to the hospital for treatment. Despite the medical emergency, the remaining passengers and crew were cleared for departure, and the flight resumed its journey to Guangzhou at around 1:49 am with 97 passengers onboard.

The timely response by the Kolkata Airport authorities and the medical team was critical in ensuring that the situation was handled with utmost care. However, the current status of the patient remains unclear. Such medical diversions, though rare, underline the importance of preparedness in handling onboard emergencies efficiently.

The flight's diversion caused a slight delay, but all passengers were safely transported, and the crew resumed their duties. Aviation authorities and airport teams praised the smooth coordination of this emergency response.