Air Canada flight diverted after pilot suffers medical emergency midflight

An Air Canada regional flight was diverted to Boston after the captain suffered a medical emergency during a flight from the United States to Canada, the airline said.

Air Canada said Flight AC7664, operated by regional partner PAL Airlines, was travelling from Newark, New Jersey, to Halifax, Nova Scotia, on June 25 when the captain became incapacitated, ABC News reports.

According to a passenger who spoke to ABC News, the aircraft suddenly swerved during the flight before passengers helped restrain the captain, who appeared to be experiencing a seizure that lasted for about 40 minutes.

The airline said the first officer took control of the De Havilland Q400 aircraft and safely diverted the flight to Boston.

The aircraft, carrying 61 passengers, landed without incident, where emergency responders were waiting. The captain was transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

Air Canada said it is arranging alternative travel for the passengers to continue their journey to Halifax.

By Sabina Mammadli