To receive a message informing you that a loved one has limited time left is devastating, but imagine being on an airplane when you find out?
This happened to be the case for one UK couple recently, who were on a plane flying from Manchester to Abu Dhabi, when they received word that their grandson was in intensive care.
The unnamed couple were preparing for take-off, with the plane taxiing the runway, when they were messaged and urgently asked to come to a nearby hospital where their grandson was being cared for.
The couple informed the crew on the Etihad Airways flight and, after consulting the pilot, the plane was turned around and brought back to the airport. The couple’s luggage was taken from the plane while they disembarked, and their car was waiting for them by the time they reached the main building.
According to Travel Weekly, the couple got to the hospital just in time to say goodbye to their grandson; tragically, he passed away the following day.
The incident came to light after the couple’s travel agent, Becky Stephenson, took to a closed Facebook travel group to praise the Etihad staff for ‘going above and beyond’ for her clients.
“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,” said Becky.
The couple have also been informed that they can re-use their tickets for a future trip.
Small acts of compassion can really go a long way in this life. Well done to all staff involved, and our condolences to the couple and their family.
