On Wednesday, an unexpected medical emergency midair prompted an Air Canada flight to make an urgent diversion to Boston’s Logan International Airport. The unscheduled landing occurred after the captain of the flight encountered a health issue, as confirmed by the airline.
Flight AC7664, which was overseen by Air Canada’s regional partner PAL Airlines, was on its way from Newark, New Jersey to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The flight, carrying 61 passengers, was traveling aboard a De Havilland Q400 turboprop when the situation arose.
According to a statement given to Fox News by Air Canada, the captain experienced a medical event that necessitated his removal from the flight deck, following standard safety procedures.
FILE – An Air Canada plane diverted to Boston on Wednesday after the captain experienced a medical issue, as reported by officials. (Mike Campbell/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
In the midst of the emergency, the first officer had to assume complete control of the aircraft, executing a successful diversion. The plane made a safe landing in Boston at 1:37 p.m. local time.
Airline officials said their pilots are fully trained to fly and land safely without the assistance of a second pilot.
FILE – Officials said the plane landed safetly at Boston Logan International Airport in Winthrop, Mass., following the incident. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) confirmed the aircraft landed without incident, and Massport Fire Rescue and Boston EMS “responded to the crew as necessary.”
The captain, whose condition was not immediately released, was taken for medical treatment in Boston, according to Air Canada.
FILE – The incident comes months after an Air Canada jet and a Port Authority fire truck collided on the runway at LaGuardia Airport in New York in March. (Seth Wenig/AP Photo)
It is unclear what the medical issue entailed.
The airline is working to provide the affected passengers with new travel arrangements so they can complete their journeys to Halifax.