Indian Expat Dies on Bahrain–Kochi Flight

Co-Passenger Recounts Harrowing Moments

Email: online@newsofbahrain.com

Kochi: The sudden demise of a 36-year-old Indian expatriate onboard an Air India Express flight from Bahrain to Kochi has left passengers and the wider expatriate community in shock, with a co-passenger recounting the deeply distressing moments surrounding the tragedy.

The deceased, identified as Akhil, a native of Velur in Kerala’s Thrissur district, suffered a massive cardiac arrest approximately two hours into the flight. Akhil, who was employed in Bahrain with a Dubai-based company, reportedly complained of severe chest pain before collapsing.

An announcement was made seeking medical professionals among the passengers, and with around 30 minutes remaining to reach Kochi, the pilot diverted the aircraft to Kannur International Airport in an attempt to secure emergency medical care.

P V Radhakrishna Pillai, President of the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam, who was travelling on the same flight with his family, described the incident as heartbreaking.

“I was deeply shocked and saddened to witness the tragic death of a young and seemingly healthy passenger,” Pillai said. “When the call for medical assistance came, it was clear that the situation was grave.”

He recalled the emotional scenes after the emergency landing. “Upon landing at Kannur, Akhil’s wife and their six-year-old daughter disembarked in a state of panic. The look of fear and confusion on the child’s face will haunt me forever,” he said.

A family friend, Sarath, a member of the Sopanam cultural group, also got down at Kannur to accompany them, while the flight continued to Kochi.

Passengers were informed of Akhil’s death only after the aircraft landed at Cochin International Airport, Pillai said.

“He was only 36, appeared perfectly healthy, and was full of life. Destiny has been unbearably cruel to his family,” he added.

Akhil is survived by his wife and their only child. His mortal remains have been kept at Thalassery District Hospital, according to the family.

The tragic incident has sparked grief across Bahrain’s Indian expatriate community, with many expressing shock over the sudden loss of a young professional.