Report: Turkish Airlines flight to San Francisco diverted after passenger dies mid-flight
Data from aviation tracker FlightAware showed Flight TK79, operated by an Airbus A350-941, departed Istanbul at approximately 2:30 p.m. local time on July 13, en route to San Francisco International Airport. While cruising over Greenland, the crew was alerted to a passenger experiencing a medical emergency.
The aircraft entered a holding pattern over the region as flight attendants administered CPR and consulted medical personnel on the ground.
'This maneuver is a standard procedure that provides time to assess the passenger's condition, coordinate with medical professionals via radio, and evaluate diversion options,' according to Aviation A2Z.
Initially, the crew considered diverting to Keflavik Airport in Iceland, a common emergency stop for transatlantic flights. However, after the passenger was pronounced dead mid-flight, the crew opted to continue toward North America.
The aircraft was rerouted to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, due to its medical and logistical capabilities, where it landed safely nearly 12 hours after its initial departure.
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