Air Canada flight with 61 passengers diverts to Boston after captain is removed from cockpit midair

Air Canada Flight Diverts to Boston After Captain’s Midair Medical Emergency

A regional Air Canada flight from Newark to Halifax was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport Wednesday afternoon after the captain suffered a medical emergency in flight, Air Canada said.

The flight, designated AC7664 and operated by PAL Airlines on a De Havilland Q400 turboprop, had 61 passengers aboard when the incident occurred. At about 1:30 p.m. local time the captain was taken out of the cockpit for medical treatment, and the first officer assumed full control of the aircraft.

“First‑class pilots are fully trained to fly and land safely without the assistance of a second pilot,” Air Canada officials explained. The plane was diverted to Boston, where it landed at 1:37 p.m. with no injuries reported. Massport, the agency that runs Logan, confirmed the aircraft touched down safely and that Massport Fire Rescue and Boston Emergency Medical Services “responded to the crew as necessary.”

Passengers on the plane described hearing screams from the cockpit area as the aircraft began taxiing on the runway. The crew’s handling of the situation, however, kept the flight on schedule and the plane departed Boston for Halifax shortly thereafter.

The captain’s condition was not disclosed immediately, and the exact nature of the medical event was not released. Air Canada has said it is arranging alternate travel for the 61 passengers to complete their journeys to Halifax.

The Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation into the incident, and FAA officials have been briefed on the event. No other incidents involving Air Canada or PAL Airlines have been reported.