Saudi flight lands in Karachi after India denies entry for ailing Bengali Muslim passenger

The Indian government denied emergency landing clearance to a Riyadh-bound flight from Dhaka when the health of a Bangladeshi Muslim passenger deteriorated mid-flight. The flight was diverted to Karachi. 

The Saudi Airlines Flight SV 805, en route from Dhaka to Riyadh, encountered a critical situation when a Bangladeshi national experienced health complications within Indian airspace.

Consequently, the pilot redirected the plane to Mumbai airport, seeking permission from Mumbai Air Traffic Controller (ATC) for an emergency landing.

The aircraft started the landing approach to Mumbai while waiting for a response. However, ATC Mumbai requested details about the affected passenger, and then declined to offload the Bangladeshi Muslim traveller.

After refusal from ATC Mumbai, the pilot opted to cancel the landing and sought permission from ATC Karachi.

The Saudi plane successfully landed in Karachi at 7:28am, where the civil aviation medical team provided medical assistance to the 44-year-old passenger, Abu Tahir. 

Tahir was suffering from high blood pressure and persistent vomiting during the flight.