Air Arabia flight from Sharjah diverted after heart attack

DUBAI // An Air Arabia flight from Sharjah had to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after a passenger suffered a heart attack during the journey.

Air Arabia flight G9601 was travelling to Alexandria International Airport yesterday. In a statement, the company said the aircraft had to be diverted from its scheduled flightpath soon after take-off.

It was sent to Hail Airport in Saudi Arabia due to a "medical emergency", said the airline.

The passenger has not been identified but is recovering in hospital. "The affected passenger was transported to the hospital upon landing in Hail, where necessary treatment has been given," said the statement.

The flight remained in Hail for an hour and 18 minutes before continuing to Alexandria.

"Air Arabia regrets any inconvenience caused to its passengers due to this flight diversion and assures that the safety of its passengers remains the company's highest priority," added Air Arabia.

nhanif@thenational.ae