Etihad pilot dies on board soon after take off from Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam today

An Etihad Airways Captain died on board a freight service from Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam on Wednesday.

No passengers were on-board the flight which departed at 5.20 a.m. The pilot fell ill soon after take off causing a concerned First Officer to place an emergency call. The flight was safely diverted to a nearby Kuwait airport. 

“After the captain became incapacitated early in the flight, the First Officer issued an emergency call and safely diverted the aircraft to Kuwait...

We are deeply saddened by the loss and are focused on taking care of our late colleague's family at this time, to whom we offer our heartfelt condolences.”

Etihad spokesperson

The pilot was pronounced dead on arrival

A medical team was on hand to assist the pilot, but after receiving emergency treatment, he was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

The identity of the pilot is unknown.