Iraqi Airways plane makes emergency landing in Baghdad after passenger dies on board

BAGHDAD — An Iraqi Airways flight made an emergency landing at Baghdad International Airport on Monday after a passenger suffered a sudden medical emergency that resulted in their death, the airline said in a statement.

The aircraft, which was traveling from Basra International Airport to Erbil International Airport, was diverted to Baghdad after the passenger’s condition worsened mid-flight.

Iraqi Airways confirmed that the flight crew followed international protocols in handling the situation. “The decision to make an emergency landing was taken after entering Baghdad airspace to ensure passenger safety. Such decisions align with international regulations that mandate immediate assistance in medical emergencies onboard,” the statement read.

Iraqi Airways, established in 1945, is the national carrier of Iraq and one of the oldest airlines in the Middle East.