A Faisalabad-to-Dubai flight was diverted to Karachi after a passenger’s health deteriorated mid-air, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing.
The incident occurred when Zulfiqar, a passenger on board, began to feel unwell as the aircraft passed near Sukkur. According to airport officials, the situation worsened quickly, and Zulfiqar lost consciousness when the flight was near Larkana.
The pilot immediately alerted Karachi Air Traffic Control and sought clearance to divert the aircraft. Upon landing at Karachi airport, medical teams were on standby to provide emergency assistance.
Despite their quick response, doctors confirmed that Zulfiqar had already passed away. His death cast a somber mood over the flight, which had initially been bound for Dubai but was delayed due to the emergency procedures.
Authorities have not yet released details regarding the cause of death, though initial reports indicate it was a sudden health emergency. The body was transferred to a local hospital in Karachi for further examination, while passengers were accommodated before the flight resumed its journey to Dubai.
In a separate but unrelated incident, another Dubai-bound flight from Karachi reported a medical emergency involving a child passenger. Three-year-old Zahra developed a high fever mid-air and fainted, alarming fellow travelers and crew members.
The cabin crew promptly alerted emergency responders and ensured that medical arrangements were made on arrival. Once the plane landed, Zahra was immediately transported to a private hospital for treatment.
Both cases highlight the unpredictability of in-flight medical emergencies and the crucial role of quick coordination between airline staff and ground authorities. While tragic for one family and distressing for another, the swift actions of the flight crews and medical teams helped manage the difficult situations as effectively as possible.
