Late Sunday night, an IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Varanasi was compelled to make an unscheduled landing at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s Chikalthana Airport in Aurangabad after an 89-year-old passenger suffered a fatal medical emergency mid-flight. The incident, which occurred on April 6, 2025, has highlighted the challenges airlines face in managing in-flight health crises.
The flight, identified as 6E-5028, had barely left Mumbai when Sushila Devi, an elderly woman from Mirzapur, began experiencing severe discomfort. According to fellow passengers, she appeared restless and was clutching her chest shortly after takeoff. Alarmed by her deteriorating state, the cabin crew quickly alerted the captain, who declared a medical emergency and sought clearance for an immediate diversion to the nearest suitable airport.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, located in Maharashtra, became the chosen destination due to its proximity and facilities. The aircraft touched down at approximately 10:00 PM local time, greeted by a pre-arranged team of paramedics and airport emergency personnel. Despite their swift response and attempts at resuscitation, Sushila Devi was declared deceased onboard, leaving crew and passengers in a somber mood.
IndiGo released an official statement on Monday, expressing regret over the incident. “We deeply regret the loss of a passenger onboard flight 6E-5028 on April 6. The flight was diverted to Aurangabad due to a medical emergency, and despite prompt medical attention upon landing, the passenger could not be saved,” the statement read. The airline emphasized that it adhered to all safety protocols and has reached out to the deceased’s family to offer support during this difficult time.
Local authorities from the MIDC CIDCO police station were summoned to the scene to oversee legal formalities. The passenger’s body was transported to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for an autopsy to determine the cause of death, though initial speculation points to a heart-related issue.
After a delay of several hours to complete documentation and ensure passenger welfare, the flight resumed its journey to Varanasi. Airport officials praised the coordinated response, noting that the situation was managed efficiently, with no additional disruptions reported. Passengers onboard expressed a mix of shock and gratitude for the crew’s professionalism, though the incident served as a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability, even at 30,000 feet.