Pilot Aborts Take-Off So Grandparents Can Bid Farewell To Dying Grandson

A pilot delayed a flight that was about to take-off so that an elderly couple on board could get to their dying grandson’s bedside.

The pensioners, who were travelling to Australia from Manchester Airport, received news that he was in intensive care as the plane was taxying.

But after the pair alerted the cabin crew, the kind-hearted pilot made the bold decision to make a U-turn on the runway.

The couple were able to disembark, while helpful Etihad Airways staff found their car and had it waiting.

They were able to make it to hospital to spend their last moments with their grandson, who tragically died the next day.

The story emerged after a travel agent, Becky Stephenson, posted a message on the Travel Gossip Facebook page.

Manchester Airport (lucidtech/Flickr)

She wrote: “I only heard about what had happened this week because I was away on an educational.

“I sent a message to Etihad’s sales manager to praise the staff and popped what had happened on Travel Gossip [a Facebook page], but I had no idea it would get so many likes and comments.

“It was such a sad thing that happened to my clients, but it was lovely that Etihad was able to help in the way they did.

“They were on their way to Abu Dhabi so if they hadn’t been able to get off the plane they may not have made it back in time.

“I contacted them to give my condolences and they said they were going to contact Etihad as well.”

She added: “Everything little thing you could think of, they took care of. Sadly my customers’ grandson passed away the day after but had they not been allowed off the flight and had to fly back from Abu Dhabi they may not have made it to his bedside.”

(Credit: BriYYZ/Flickr)