A Saudia flight en route from Jeddah to London was forced to make an emergency landing in Cairo on Thursday after a crew member suffered a fatal medical emergency mid-flight.
Flight SV119, operated by Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, was diverted to Cairo International Airport after the cabin manager, Mohsen bin Saeed Alzahrani, collapsed onboard. Despite immediate efforts by fellow crew members and medically trained passengers to assist him, Alzahrani was pronounced dead upon arrival in the Egyptian capital.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Saudia mourned the loss of their colleague, describing the incident as “a heartbreaking moment in which we lost one of our most dedicated team members.”
Alzahrani was praised by the airline as “a shining example of commitment and discipline,” and was admired for his “integrity, professionalism, and high moral character.” The airline extended its deepest condolences to his family and team, assuring them of its full support during this time of grief.
The statement also commended the rest of the flight crew for their composure and professionalism under the exceptional circumstances, ensuring the safety of passengers and the continuation of the flight after the emergency. Saudia thanked passengers aboard the flight for their understanding and cooperation during what it called a deeply distressing event.
Mid-air medical emergencies, though rare, can lead to serious disruptions and unscheduled landings. In some cases, they have resulted in fatalities.
In October 2024, a Turkish Airlines pilot died during a flight, prompting an emergency landing in New York. Similarly, in February 2023, a flydubai flight from Dubai to Dhaka diverted to Karachi after a passenger passed away mid-flight.
Saudia has not disclosed the specific cause of Alzahrani’s sudden medical condition but has reaffirmed its commitment to the well-being of its staff and passengers.
The flight later resumed its journey to London following the unexpected stop in Cairo.
