An 11-year-old girl who was a passenger on a Turkish Airlines flight with her family has sadly died after she lost consciousness while travelling to the United States (US).
The young passenger was flying from Istanbul to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York on June 11, 2023, when she became ill.
The pilot diverted the Airbus A330 to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) in Hungary so she could receive medical treatment.
Turkish Airlines confirmed to AeroTime that cabin crew members asked over the PA system if there was a doctor onboard.
A doctor on the plane came forward to help and according to local media flight attendants also tried to resuscitate the passenger.
Turkish Airlines said the doctor “performed heart massage” while the cockpit crew made an emergency landing.
When the Airbus landed at 10:30am local time, “emergency medical teams boarded the aircraft for further treatment but despite all efforts, the passenger couldn’t be saved,” the airline said.
The girl’s family left the aircraft in Budapest while the Airbus continued its planned route to New York and arrived after a four-and-a-half-hour delay.
“We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones and share their pain,” Turkish Airlines said.