A Varanasi-bound IndiGo flight from Mumbai was forced to make an emergency landing at Chikalthana Airport in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, late Sunday night after an 89-year-old passenger succumbed to a medical emergency onboard.

The unscheduled stop, around 350 km from Mumbai, occurred at 10 pm, plunging the journey into a somber turn.

Sushila Devi, hailing from Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, fell ill mid-flight on IndiGo’s 6E-5028 service. Despite the crew’s swift response and an emergency diversion to Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), a medical team confirmed her death upon landing. IndiGo’s statement detailed that despite prompt attention, Devi’s condition deteriorated fatally mid-air, leaving the airline to follow standard safety protocols to ensure the well-being of others onboard.

The airline expressed its commitment to supporting Devi’s family, maintaining close contact to offer assistance. Her body was transported to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for formalities, handled by the MIDC CIDCO police. After the necessary procedures, the flight resumed its journey to Varanasi.

The incident underscores the unpredictability of air travel and the challenges of managing medical emergencies at altitude. For passengers and crew, the flight—meant to bridge Mumbai’s bustle with Varanasi’s spiritual calm—became a stark reminder of life’s fragility. IndiGo reiterated its adherence to safety measures, but for Sushila Devi’s loved ones, the skies delivered a heartbreaking detour.