Saudi Airlines compartment Crew Dies, Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Cairo

LONDON- A Saudi Airlines (SV) flight en route from Jeddah (JED) to London Heathrow (LHR) made an emergency landing at Cairo International Airport (CAI) following a medical emergency involving a crew member. The cabin director suffered a fatal heart attack mid-flight, prompting swift action from the flight crew.

The co-pilot safely diverted the aircraft to Cairo after the captain reported the emergency to air traffic control. Medical personnel met the aircraft upon landing and confirmed the crew member’s death.

Photo: Rawpixel

Saudi Airlines Crew Dies

The incident occurred aboard a Saudi Airlines (SV) flight operating its international service between Jeddah (JED) and London (LHR).

The captain contacted Cairo ATC with a distress call, reporting a sudden medical emergency involving the cabin director. The control tower granted immediate clearance to land at the nearest airport, Cairo International (CAI).

The deceased was later identified as Mohsen bin Saeed Al-Zahrani, a senior member of the cabin crew.

The flight was operated by Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, registered as HZ-AR32.

According to the airline’s official statement released via X (formerly Twitter), Al-Zahrani suffered a sudden health complication while performing duties mid-flight. Despite efforts onboard, he could not be revived.

Upon landing, paramedics boarded the aircraft and officially declared the crew member deceased. His body was transferred to a local hospital for further examination.

Saudi Airlines expressed its condolences, stating, “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of our colleague and ask God to have mercy on him.” The airline acknowledged the professionalism of the crew in managing the emergency and ensuring passenger safety during the diversion.

Egypt’s Public Prosecution has opened an investigation to confirm the cause of death and rule out any criminal element, as per standard procedure in cases of sudden mid-air fatalities. However, no foul play is currently suspected.

Following the completion of legal and medical formalities, the aircraft was cleared to continue its journey to London Heathrow (LHR). No delays or disruptions to future Saudi Airlines operations were reported, and passengers on board were informed and cared for throughout the ordeal.

ALSO READ: Air India Express Pilot Died Amid Cardiac Arrest

Photo: By Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia – Saudia, HZ-AR11, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73594090

Similar Incident

Two Indonesian pilgrims tragically passed away mid-flight on June 20, 2025, aboard a Saudi Arabian Airlines aircraft returning from the Hajj. The flight was en route to Juanda International Airport (SUB), Surabaya.

The deceased, both elderly residents of Bangkalan, East Java, were part of a Group of 29 pilgrims returning home from Saudi Arabia after completing the pilgrimage.

Tragedy Strikes During Return from Hajj

Saudi Arabian Airlines Flight Group 29 was transporting 659 Bangkalan pilgrims back to Indonesia after completing the Hajj pilgrimage.

The aircraft landed at Juanda International Airport (SUB) at 04:50 AM local time. Shortly before arrival, two passengers—Hj. Mukatin Wakimin Samin, 67, and Hj. Salimah Deman Sadih, 85, was confirmed deceased.

According to Arif Rochman, Hajj and Umrah Coordinator at the Bangkalan Religious Affairs Office, both deaths occurred mid-air and within minutes of each other. The cause was attributed to sudden medical complications, with no prior warning of critical health conditions.

Medical Complications and Emergency Response

Flight doctor Anita Oktavia, assigned to Group 29, reported that Hj. Mukatin may have suffered from a hypertensive crisis, while Hj. Salimah experienced a suspected heart attack. Weather turbulence during the flight possibly worsened both passengers’ conditions.

Emergency aid was provided promptly. “We responded immediately once the emergency was called,” Anita explained. Hj. Mukatin was declared dead roughly 15 minutes after collapsing, and Hj. Salimah followed five minutes later. Despite onboard medical personnel and fellow doctors’ best efforts, resuscitation failed.

Salimah’s son, Adnan, shared that she felt dizzy and experienced breathing difficulties during the flight. Her condition declined rapidly before medical help could stabilize her.

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The post Saudi Airlines Cabin Crew Dies, Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Cairo appeared first on Aviation A2Z.