Jakarta-Madinah flight diverts to Kerala after passenger falls ill mid-air

Thiruvananthapuram: A Saudia flight from Jakarta, Indonesia, to Madinah, Saudi Arabia, was diverted to Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday following a medical emergency onboard, airport authorities said.

Saudia Flight 821, which took off from Jakarta, diverted mid-air after a passenger fell unconscious. The flight contacted Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, where arrangements were made for an emergency landing and medical assistance.

The aircraft landed around 6.30 pm, and the passenger, an Indonesian national, was immediately rushed to Ananthapuri Hospital. Hospital officials said the passenger complained of chest pain and is currently being treated in the emergency unit, with ECG and blood tests underway.

Airport authorities added that the flight is expected to depart for Madinah shortly.

With PTI inputs