Key Points
- An IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Varanasi made an emergency landing at Chikalthana Airport in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after an 89-year-old passenger, Sushila Devi, passed away mid-flight.
- The woman, a native of Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, began feeling unwell shortly after takeoff.
- Despite the crew’s swift action and medical assistance upon landing, she was declared dead.
- The flight resumed its journey to Varanasi after completing legal formalities.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: An IndiGo Airlines flight traveling from Mumbai to Varanasi was forced to make an emergency landing at Maharashtra’s Chikalthana Airport on Sunday night following the death of an elderly passenger onboard. The passenger, identified as 89-year-old Sushila Devi from Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, experienced a medical emergency mid-air, prompting the flight crew to divert the plane.
Details of the Incident
The emergency landing occurred around 10 PM on April 6, 2025. According to airline officials, Sushila Devi began feeling uneasy shortly after the flight took off from Mumbai. The crew immediately alerted ground authorities and diverted the aircraft to the nearest airport in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Upon landing, a medical team examined the woman but confirmed that she had already passed away.
The airline released a statement saying, “Flight 6E-5028, operating from Mumbai to Varanasi, was diverted due to a medical emergency onboard. Despite prompt medical attention upon landing, the passenger’s condition did not improve and she was declared deceased.”
Post-Incident Procedures
Following the incident:
- The MIDC CIDCO police station completed all necessary legal formalities.
- The deceased passenger’s body was transported to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for further examination.
- IndiGo Airlines extended its condolences to the family and assured full support during this difficult time.
The flight resumed its journey to Varanasi after a delay caused by the emergency procedures.
Raising Concerns Over Medical Emergencies
This tragic incident has highlighted concerns about managing medical emergencies during flights, especially for elderly passengers. Airlines are often equipped with basic medical kits and trained crew; however, critical situations like this underscore the need for enhanced measures and quicker access to advanced medical care during flights.
