Senior cabin crew member collapses and dies mid-flight.

SAUDIA MD 11 HZ-HM7 (MSN 48532)

A Saudi Airlines Dreamliner en route from Jeddah (JED/OEJN) to London (LHR/EGLL) made an emergency landing in Cairo (CAI/HECA) after a senior cabin crew member collapsed and died mid-flight.

The aircraft diverted to Cairo on the 27th of June after the crew reported a medical emergency involving their cabin director, Mohsen bin Saeed Al-Zahrani. He suffered what’s believed to be a heart attack while performing duties onboard. Despite efforts by fellow crew and passengers to revive him, Al-Zahrani was declared dead shortly after landing. Paramedics met the aircraft on arrival and transported his body to a local hospital for examination.

Egyptian authorities have opened a routine investigation, though no foul play is suspected. Saudi Airlines issued a statement expressing condolences to his family and commending the crew for handling the emergency professionally. The aircraft was cleared to continue to London after a brief delay. Just a week earlier, two elderly pilgrims returning from Hajj also died mid-flight on a separate Saudia service to Indonesia, both suffering suspected cardiac complications.
The incidents have renewed focus on in-flight medical preparedness during long-haul operations.

Saudi Airlines expressed its condolences, stating, “We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of our colleague and ask God to have mercy on him.” The airline acknowledged the professionalism of the crew in managing the emergency and ensuring passenger safety during the diversion.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: Saudia

Code: SV/SVA

Aircraft: Boeing 787-10

Registration: HZ-AR32

Serial number: 40055

Engines: 2 x RR Trent 1000
First flew: 27/01/2022
Age: 3.5 Years

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND STAFF AT SAUDIA