A Qatar Airways flight traveling from Doha to Paris made an unexpected stop in Erbil on December 25, 2024, due to a medical emergency involving a passenger. As the flight, operating between Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha and Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris, progressed, the crew declared an emergency. Consequently, the aircraft had to divert to the nearest airport.
The aircraft, a Boeing 777-300ER registered A7-BEX, took off from Doha at 12:39 PM UTC. After approximately two hours of flight, the crew declared an emergency. Therefore, they decided to land in Erbil, where the aircraft touched down at 2:44 PM UTC. The flight remained grounded for about two hours while the crew addressed the emergency. Following that, the flight resumed at 5:12 PM UTC.
By 9:33 PM UTC, the flight finally arrived in Paris after completing a seven-hour journey. Despite the diversion, Qatar Airways ensured minimal disruption and prioritized passenger safety throughout the incident. Furthermore, the airline’s swift action demonstrated its dedication to passenger well-being.
This medical emergency marked the second such incident involving Qatar Airways in recent days. Earlier that same day, another flight from Doha to Tokyo Narita diverted to Kolkata Airport due to a similar issue. Qatar Airways handled both situations promptly, showcasing its focus on safety and efficiency.
The airline has not released an official statement about the Erbil diversion or provided updates on the passenger’s condition. However, the quick response by Qatar Airways further highlights the airline’s commitment to safety. Additionally, passengers and industry experts praised the airline for its professionalism, ensuring a smooth continuation of the flight to Paris.
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