{"id":104508,"date":"2025-07-24T19:39:15","date_gmt":"2025-07-24T14:09:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=104508"},"modified":"2025-07-24T19:39:19","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T14:09:19","slug":"air-india-chicago-to-delhi-flight-with-777-diverted-to-istanbul","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/24\/air-india-chicago-to-delhi-flight-with-777-diverted-to-istanbul\/","title":{"rendered":"Air India Chicago to Delhi Flight with 777 Diverted to Istanbul"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

MUMBAI-<\/strong> Tata Group-owned Air India (AI)<\/a> flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Delhi International Airport (DEL) diverted to Istanbul Airport (IST) on July 21, 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Boeing 777<\/a> operated flight AI 126 made a diversion following a medical emergency onboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Air
Photo: Utkarsh Thakkar (Vimanspotter)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Air India Flight Diverted to Istanbul<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to FlightRadar24 data, Air India flight AI 126 took off from Chicago O’Hare at 19:29 UTC, over two hours late from its scheduled departure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After being airborne for over 10 hours, the flight attendant reported that one passenger had some medical issues<\/a>. Following this the flight crew contacted ATC and decided to divert to nearest airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The flight landed safely at Istanbul Airport at 5:27 UTC. The aircraft taxied to the bay, and the passenger disembarked safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Air
Photo: FlightRadar24<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The exclusive Aviation A2Z<\/a> source revealed that the passenger was provided a necessary medical care, and he was hospitalized. The flight departed without that passenger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The aircraft remained on the ground for over 5 hours and took off again at 10:29 UTC, and landed safely at Delhi at 17:17 UTC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The flight was operated by a 15.1-year-old Boeing 777-300ER<\/a>, registered as VT-ALU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline is currently facing multiple challenges following the fatal crash of Boeing 787. But it is committed to the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew. The medical emergency and other diversions due to geopolitical tensions are not controllable events and crew always prioritize the safely of its occupants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Turkish
Photo: Cl\u00e9ment Alloing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Similar Incident<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Turkish Airlines (TK)<\/a> flight TK79 from Istanbul Airport (IST) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) was diverted to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) following a medical emergency onboard on July 13, 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The long-haul service, operated by an Airbus A350-941, was cruising over Greenland when a passenger\u2019s condition deteriorated, prompting the flight crew to initiate an emergency protocol. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though Keflavik Airport (KEF) in Iceland was first considered for diversion, the situation evolved mid-flight, changing the course of action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In-Flight Emergency Alters Route Mid-Atlantic<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

While in cruise altitude over the North Atlantic near Greenland, a passenger onboard Turkish Airlines (TK) flight TK79 suffered a life-threatening medical issue. The flight crew entered a holding pattern to buy time, assess the situation, and consult medical professionals via radio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Initially, Reykjavik\u2019s Keflavik Airport (KEF) was identified as the closest viable diversion airport. However, as the passenger tragically passed away while still airborne, the urgency to land at the nearest location diminished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This allowed the crew to consider a U.S.-based destination better suited for post-mortem procedures and operational continuity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Turkish
Photo: Cl\u00e9ment Alloing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Chicago Chosen for Operational and Medical Handling<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Upon entering U.S. airspace, the crew selected Chicago O\u2019Hare International Airport (ORD) for its advanced facilities and status as a key international hub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Airbus A350 (registration TC-LGH) landed safely, and Turkish Airlines arranged immediate ground services to manage the situation with dignity and efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The decision prioritized not only the respectful handling of the deceased passenger but also logistical needs for rerouting or accommodating remaining passengers on their journey to San Francisco (SFO).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medical Diversion Protocols and Procedures<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Airlines such as Turkish Airlines (TK) adhere to strict international guidelines during medical emergencies. Key considerations when deciding on a diversion include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n