Indian airliner makes emergency landing after passenger dies mid-air

An Indian airliner from Mumbai was forced to make an emergency landing at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s Chikalthana Airport in Aurangabad on Sunday night after an elderly passenger passed away mid-flight, according to Indian media reports.

Flight 6E-5028, en route to Varanasi, diverted to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra on April 6 after 89-year-old Sushila Devi from Mirzapur fell ill shortly after takeoff. As her condition worsened, the flight crew declared a medical emergency and requested a priority landing at the nearest airport.

The aircraft landed at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar around 10:00 PM local time, where an emergency response team and medical personnel were waiting. Despite efforts to revive her, the passenger was pronounced dead onboard.

In a statement issued on Monday, Indian airliner IndiGo confirmed the incident, stating, "Flight 6E-5028, traveling from Mumbai to Varanasi, was diverted to Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) on April 6 due to a medical emergency."

Despite immediate medical care, the passenger's condition did not improve, and she was pronounced dead onboard."

Following the emergency, local police from MIDC CIDCO station were informed, and necessary formalities were conducted. The body was sent to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for a post-mortem examination.

After completing all legal procedures, the flight continued its journey to Varanasi. The airline assured that standard operating procedures were followed to ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers and crew, offering condolences to the family of the deceased.

The airline stated it has been in constant communication with the family, providing them with necessary support.

Airport officials confirmed that all other passengers were safe and the emergency was handled according to established protocols.