According to information from Goa Naval Air Traffic Control (ATC), it received a message from an en route Indigo Airlines flight informing that an Air Arabia (AA) aircraft had a medical emergency case. The AA aircraft, with 177 passengers onboard, was able to make radio contact with ATC at 3.35 am and convey its intention to divert the aircraft to Dabolim to discharge the ailing passenger.
“The patient had a kidney problem and required immediate help. As there was a request for priority landing, the Naval ATC promptly alerted the airline operator of Air Arabia Airlines and other agencies to ensure that all clearance could be obtained for the unscheduled aircraft to be recovered at Dabolim. The aircraft was accorded utmost priority and was provided with air traffic services for a safe and expeditious landing,” said a navy official.
The AA aircraft belonging to United Arab Emirates (UAE) landed at Dabolim airport at 4.13 am. The passenger was taken by a navy ambulance to Cottage Hospital, Chicalim and then referred to GMC, Bambolim. The AA flight departed for Colombo at 5.36 am after quick and efficient coordination by the ATC and other agencies.
