Air Canada Pilot Medical Emergency Diverts Flight to Boston Logan

AviatorDB News Desk··Updated July 2, 2026
Share

An Air Canada flight diverted to Boston Logan International Airport after the captain suffered a medical emergency during a flight from Newark, N.J., to Halifax, Nova Scotia. The aircraft — a De Havilland Q400 operated by PAL Airlines on behalf of Air Canada — landed safely and taxied to the gate without further incident, according to Massport authorities.

Air Canada confirmed that the first officer assumed control of the aircraft and executed the diversion in accordance with established crew incapacitation protocols. At least one passenger told ABC News that the captain appeared to be experiencing a seizure and that passengers assisted in restraining him; however, those claims have not been independently verified by medical authorities.

All 61 people on board were uninjured. The airline said the captain received medical attention upon landing and that the carrier was making alternate travel arrangements for affected passengers. The incident underscores the importance of crew resource management and the built-in redundancy of two-pilot cockpit operations in commercial aviation.

Follow @AviatorDB on X

Breaking aviation news, NTSB investigations, and industry updates delivered daily.

Follow