IndiGo flight 6E 1715, traveling from Delhi to Doha, was diverted to Karachi due to a medical emergency on board. The incident occurred on June 27, when a passenger on the flight reportedly fell ill and required immediate medical attention. The pilot of the aircraft decided to divert the flight to Karachi, where the passenger was later taken to a hospital for treatment.
According to reports, the passenger’s condition was stable at last observation. IndiGo later issued a statement saying that they regret the inconvenience caused to passengers due to the diversion, and that the Flight Safety team was in touch with relevant authorities and the passenger’s family to ensure their support.
The incident has come as a reminder of the importance of medical emergencies on flights, especially during the ongoing pandemic crisis. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that airlines have proper protocols in place to respond to in-flight medical emergencies, including the availability of emergency medical equipment, trained personnel, and communication channels with ground-based medical facilities.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has also issued guidelines to airlines for managing medical emergencies, including pre-flight medical assessments, training of crew members in first aid and emergency response, and contingency planning for medical diversions. Airline crew members are also required to be trained in the use of on-board medical equipment such as oxygen, airway management devices, and defibrillators.
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines have also been advised to take extra precautions for managing in-flight medical emergencies, such as implementing additional infection control measures, carrying out pre-flight health screenings, and ensuring adequate supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) for both crew members and passengers.
Overall, the incident serves as a reminder for airlines to prioritize the safety and well-being of passengers, especially in times of medical emergencies, and to have the proper protocols in place to respond effectively to such situations.