Dubai: An Etihad Airways pilot passed away on Wednesday morning while operating a cargo flight from Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam, leading the carrier to divert its path and make an emergency landing in Kuwait.
In a statement, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier said the aircraft was diverted safely to Kuwait where a medical team was present to assist the pilot. The scheduled departure of the flight from Abu Dhabi was at 5.20am.
“Etihad Airways is saddened to report the death of one of its pilots onboard flight EY 927, a freighter service from Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam. After the captain became incapacitated early in the flight, the First Officer issued an emergency call and safely diverted the aircraft to Kuwait,” Etihad said in a statement.
It added that after a medical team met the aircraft in Kuwait and offered medical treatment, the pilot was pronounced deceased.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss, and are focused on taking care of our late colleague's family at this time, to whom we offer our heartfelt condolences,” Etihad said.
The airline did not disclose further details on how the pilot died, or details such as his name or nationality, but a spokesperson told Gulf News Etihad has contacted his family.
