IndiGo Flight Diverts to Nagpur After Passenger Collapse; Medical Outcome Confirmed
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
An IndiGo flight diverted to Nagpur for a medical emergency after a 72-year-old passenger collapsed mid-air; he was declared dead at a local hospital.
Key Takeaways
- •A 72-year-old passenger on an IndiGo Ghaziabad to Chennai flight collapsed mid-air due to a suspected heart ailment.
- •The pilot executed a swift Nagpur emergency landing to allow immediate medical intervention.
- •The passenger was declared brought dead at KIMS-Kingsway Hospital, despite in-flight CPR and rapid ground response.
- •Nagpur Airport is a designated Central India emergency hub, frequently used for medical and technical diversions.
A recent IndiGo medical emergency led to a swift diversion.
The incident occurred on a flight traveling from Ghaziabad to Chennai. A 72-year-old passenger collapsed mid-air after feeling unwell.
In-Flight Medical Response and Diversion
The pilot immediately sought permission for a Nagpur emergency landing. This decision followed the passenger's collapse around 5:00 PM. Crucially, a doctor was on board the flight. This medical professional administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in-flight.
Upon landing at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, Nagpur, an emergency team was ready. Ambulances and the full medical response were pre-positioned. The 72-year-old passenger was quickly taken to KIMS-Kingsway Hospital. He was declared brought dead upon arrival at the facility. Hospital officials confirmed the patient had a history of heart ailment.
Nagpur’s Role as a Central India Emergency Hub
Nagpur Airport is often chosen for such diversions. Its central location makes it the nearest airport for many routes. These include flights traveling from north to south or west to east. It is also the only international airport for a vast stretch of routes. This makes it a key Central India emergency hub for both domestic and international traffic. The airport is known for its robust emergency facilities and infrastructure.
Aviation Medical Protocols and Industry Context
In-flight medical response procedures are critical for airlines. Cabin crew receive training in first aid and emergency procedures. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) mandates medical kits on all Indian-registered aircraft. Larger aircraft must carry a physician's kit with life-saving drugs.
In-flight medical emergencies (IMEs) are becoming more common. This trend is due to an increasing number of elderly passengers. Passengers with pre-existing medical conditions also contribute to the rise. Cardiovascular issues are a frequently diagnosed medical illness during IMEs. One study of a major Indian carrier found a rate of three IMEs per million passengers.
Key Takeaways for Aviation Stakeholders:
- The quick decision to execute a Nagpur emergency landing followed standard aviation medical protocols.
- The presence of a medical professional on board proved essential for immediate CPR administration.
- Cardiovascular conditions remain a leading cause of flight diversions and IMEs.
- Airports like Nagpur are vital in the safety chain, acting as designated diversion points.
Visit flying.flights for the latest commercial aviation news and airline industry updates.
Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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