Air Canada Flight AC7664 Diverts to Boston After Captain’s Mid-air Medical Emergency

On June 24, 2026, Air Canada Flight AC7664, a De Havilland Q400 turboprop operated by PAL Airlines, left Newark Liberty International Airport for Halifax at 12:55 p.m. EDT with 61 passengers. Roughly an hour into the flight the aircraft began to swerve violently, and the captain exhibited signs of a medical emergency. Crew members removed him from the cockpit, and the first officer assumed command, diverting the plane to Boston Logan International Airport, where it touched down safely at 1:37 p.m.

Air Canada Flight Diverts To Boston After Captain Becomes Incapacitated Mid-FlightAir Canada flight diverts after captain suffers ‘seizure’Fox News (website)Newser

Passengers, led by Rodney McDonald, responded to a crew request for assistance. About five travelers, together with a registered nurse, helped restrain the incapacitated captain for roughly 40 minutes using seatbelts to secure his arms and legs. Flight attendants maintained composure, provided updates, and coordinated with the first officer to ensure a stable flight path.

The Independent

Air Canada said the captain experienced a medical issue and was removed from the flight deck in accordance with safety protocols. The airline confirmed the captain was taken to Massachusetts General Hospital for treatment. Massport confirmed the aircraft landed without incident and Boston EMS responded to the crew. The FAA acknowledged the diversion and will conduct a standard review. Air Canada is arranging alternate travel for the 61 passengers to complete their journeys.

Fox News (website)Air Canada flight diverts after captain suffers ‘seizure’Air Canada Flight Diverts To Boston After Captain Becomes Incapacitated Mid-Flight'My boys instantly started praying': How passengers responded after Air Canada captain suffered mid-air seizure and dragged out of the cockpit

The CDC advises against restraining a person who may be having a seizure, recommending clearing the area and protecting the airway. Medical experts also caution that holding a seizure victim can cause injury and suggest monitoring rather than physical restraint. Critics note that the passengers’ prolonged restraint of the captain conflicted with this guidance, raising concerns about appropriate on-board medical response.

'My boys instantly started praying': How passengers responded after Air Canada captain suffered mid-air seizure and dragged out of the cockpit

Sources differ on the captain’s condition; some describe a seizure, others cite a “medical issue.” The captain’s identity, specific diagnosis, and long-term health status have not been disclosed. No formal investigation beyond the FAA’s routine review has been announced.

Air Canada Flight Diverts To Boston After Captain Becomes Incapacitated Mid-Flight

The event underscores the robustness of aviation safety systems: dual-pilot crews, mandatory medical-emergency protocols, and crew training enable a safe landing despite pilot incapacitation. It also highlights the role of passengers in emergencies and prompts discussion on appropriate medical assistance guidelines aboard commercial flights.

Air Canada Flight Diverts To Boston After Captain Becomes Incapacitated Mid-Flight

• “The moment the plane swerved, I knew something was wrong because it was not turbulence,” — Rodney McDonald, passenger

USA Today

• “[We] worked to get him under control, it was a fairly strenuous 40 minutes of keeping him down and using as many seatbelts as we could to restrain his legs arms and chest.” — Rodney McDonald, passenger

People Magazine

• “The airline said in a statement, “During the flight, the captain experienced a medical issue and was removed from the flight deck as per safety protocols.” — Air Canada spokesperson

People Magazine

• “The CDC advises against restraining someone who may be having a seizure or trying to stop their movements, as doing so can increase the risk of injury.” — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Independent