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Air Canada flight to Boston after captain medical emergency

Published 25 June 2026

A flight from New Jersey to Canada was diverted to Boston on Wednesday afternoon after the captain suffered a medical emergency, forcing the first officer to land the aircraft alone. Air Canada Flight AC7664, operated by its regional partner PAL Airlines, landed safely at Boston Logan International Airport with 61 passengers on board.

The incident occurred during the flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Halifax, Nova Scotia. According to the airline, the captain experienced a medical issue and was removed from the flight deck in accordance with safety protocols. The first officer then assumed control and diverted the flight to Boston.

A passenger on board described a harrowing scene, stating the flight began swerving violently and that flight attendants entered the cockpit frantically. The passenger said the pilot appeared to have a seizure and that he and several others assisted the crew in restraining the incapacitated captain for approximately 40 minutes. He expressed gratitude for the safe outcome.

Massachusetts State Police and the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed a crew member's medical emergency prompted the diversion. State police patrols and their...

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