Passengers aboard a recent FlySafair flight from George to Johannesburg experienced a tense moment when the captain fell ill mid-air, prompting an urgent request for assistance from a qualified pilot on board.
The dramatic incident is said to have happened on flight FA711 on January 29, as the aircraft neared OR Tambo International Airport.
According to passengers, an announcement from the cockpit asked if there was a qualified pilot among them who could assist.
While the unexpected request caused initial concern, FlySafair later confirmed that this was a precautionary measure and in line with standard operating procedures.
In a statement released the following day, the airline clarified that the first officer (co-pilot), who is fully certified and trained to operate the aircraft independently, immediately assumed control after the captain reported feeling unwell during the final stages of the journey.
The first officer proceeded to conduct a safe landing at OR Tambo airport.
FlySafair's statement, as reported by “George Herald”, detailed the sequence of events: "Flight FA711 departed George Airport on schedule just after 11am and arrived safely at OR Tambo at approximately 12.30pm. All flight operations proceeded as normal throughout the journey.
As the aircraft prepared for descent, the captain informed the first officer that he was experiencing discomfort and advised him to assume full control for the remainder of the flight."
Following standard safety procedures, the first officer requested priority landing clearance and sought assistance from any qualified pilots on board.
Fortunately, a qualified passenger stepped forward and assisted by reading out the required checklists - though they did not handle any actual flying.
Upon landing, emergency medical personnel were on standby to assist the captain, who was safely escorted off the aircraft for immediate medical care.
Despite the unexpected situation, passengers remained calm and cooperative, disembarking as usual once the aircraft was towed to the designated parking bay.
FlySafair praised the first officer for his professionalism and adherence to safety protocols: "We commend our first officer for his exemplary professionalism and extend our best wishes to our captain for a swift recovery.
“We also express our gratitude to our crew, the assisting passenger, and all passengers for their understanding and cooperation."
An easyJet flight from Hurghada to Manchester made an emergency landing in Athens after the captain suffered a medical emergency. The co-pilot's quick thinking ensured the safety of everyone on board. Read the full story and details here: https://t.co/Ce9qhjTwi3
— Airline Hub (@AirlineHub1) February 10, 2025
A similar incident occurred on Saturday, February 8, when an easyJet flight from Hurghada to Manchester was diverted to Athens after the captain required medical assistance mid-flight.
The first officer safely landed the Airbus A320 after circling near Athens airport for about 30 minutes.
Passengers reported initial confusion, thinking a passenger had fallen ill before being informed it was the pilot.
"At this point, the passengers were starting to get rather worried and anxious, including myself, knowing that it was a pilot and not a passenger," one traveller told “Manchester Evening News.”
Paramedics were on hand for the emergency landing, and while some passengers panicked, the crew and first officer remained professional and were commended for their actions.
easyJet confirmed the diversion and apologised for the inconvenience, arranging overnight accommodations for passengers.