Air India diverts 2 intl flights due to medical emergencies

Mid-air medical emergencies forced diversion of national carrier Air India's two international flights to airports in Norway and Finland. A flight from New Delhi to Chicago was yesterday diverted to the Bod International Airport in Bode, Norway, due to a medical emergency. Another coming into the city from San Francisco made an unscheduled landing at Finland's Helsinki Airport today, Air India said in a statement today.

"Air India, yet again, demonstrated its care and concern for passenger safety and wellbeing when the Chicago-bound flight AI 127 of September 16 landed midway at Norway, while flight AI 174 (SFO-Delhi) for today was diverted to the Helsinki airport in Finland to address medical emergencies of the (sick) passengers," it said.

The airline said a passenger on board AI 127 complained of giddiness and was provided all possible medical help. When the passenger's condition did not improve, the pilot decided to seek an emergency landing at the BOD airport in Norway. Upon landing, the passenger was rushed to a hospital.

In another case, AI 174 SFO-Delhi landed at the Helsinki airport when a two-and-a-half years old child accompanied by parents complained of health problem during the flight, it said.

"In close to 24 hours, Air India managed two medical emergencies effectively, giving top most priority to our passengers' wellbeing. I would like to appreciate our crew for managing these situations," airline's Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani said.