A 51-year-old Indian man from Kerala died after suffering a medical emergency aboard a flight from Abu Dhabi to Bengaluru shortly before take-off on Monday.
The deceased, identified as Yousafe Kunhammu, was travelling alone to India after visiting relatives in the United Arab Emirates. According to family members, he had been staying in Abu Dhabi on a visit visa and was returning home when the incident occurred.
Medical emergency before departure
According to reports, Yousafe experienced breathing difficulties while onboard the aircraft before it departed from Abu Dhabi.
Cabin crew members immediately sought medical assistance, following which paramedics rushed to the aircraft to provide emergency treatment. He was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for further care.
However, doctors later declared him dead on arrival.
Family suspects heart attack
While the exact cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed, relatives believe Yousafe may have suffered a heart attack.
The medical emergency resulted in a brief delay to the scheduled flight before passengers continued their journey to Bengaluru.
Family awaits repatriation
Yousafe is survived by his wife and five children, including a three-month-old infant.
His body has been kept in a mortuary in Abu Dhabi while family members, relatives and community representatives coordinate arrangements to repatriate his remains to his hometown in Kerala for the final rites.
The incident has left family members and friends in deep shock, particularly given that he was expected to reunite with his loved ones after completing his visit to the UAE.