PAL passenger dies mid-flight

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

A passenger died on board a Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight from Abu Dhabi to Manila, the flagship carrier said on Friday.

“The PAL flight from Abu Dhabi to Manila had to be diverted to Bombay. This was a case of death on board,・ PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna told INQUIRER.net in a text message.

Villaluna said the diverted flight was set to arrive in Manila Friday night after being given a clearance. “Our airport and customer relations team are on standby for the arrival of the flight carrying the remains.”

She said the family of the passenger has been informed of the incident. “Our airport and customer relations team will be assisting them the moment our flight touches down.”

But the airline declined to disclose the passenger’s identity and cause of death.

“We are not providing any more details as to identity in deference to the family and in line with existing airlines protocol,・ the spokesperson added.

Villaluna said PAL “will handle this matter with utmost care and respect for the family.”