Air Canada (AC) confirmed on June 24, 2026 that its Flight AC7664 was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Boston, Massachusetts, after the captain experienced a medical episode during the flight. The flight was operating on behalf of Air Canada by its regional partner PAL Airlines and was en route from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Newark, New Jersey, to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), Halifax, Nova Scotia, when the emergency unfolded on Wednesday afternoon, according to The Canadian Press.
The aircraft, a De Havilland Q400 turboprop, was carrying 61 passengers when the captain was removed from the flight deck in accordance with the airline’s safety protocols. The first officer assumed sole control of the aircraft and diverted the flight to BOS, where it landed safely. ABC News reported that passengers on board helped flight attendants physically restrain the captain for approximately 40 minutes while the aircraft was rerouted.
What Happened Aboard AC7664 On June 24?
Online flight tracking data cited by The Canadian Press shows that AC7664 departed EWR at approximately 12:55 p.m. local time. The Massachusetts State Police told CBC News that the diversion was initiated at 1:40 p.m. local time after a crew member reported a medical emergency. The aircraft touched down at BOS at approximately 1:37 p.m. local time.
Passengers first realized that something was wrong when the aircraft began moving unpredictably in the air. Rodney McDonald, who was travelling in the front row with his wife and two sons, said the aircraft repeatedly swerved in a way that felt different from normal turbulence.
The unexpected movements immediately caused concern among passengers, with McDonald recalling that his family began praying as they tried to understand what was happening. The situation became even more alarming when a flight attendant entered the cockpit shortly afterward.
According to McDonald, the crew member appeared distressed and soon emerged from the flight deck with one of the pilots. The pilot was reportedly removed from the cockpit and brought into the passenger cabin, indicating that a serious situation had developed on the flight deck.
A 40-Minute Restraint in the Cabin Aisle
With the captain now in the passenger aisle, McDonald and around four other passengers stepped in to help the cabin crew manage the situation. McDonald said the pilot appeared to be suffering what looked like a seizure and was unable to control his movements or respond normally.
The passengers determined that the captain needed to be restrained to prevent him from injuring himself or others. They used available seatbelts to secure his arms, legs and chest while the crew continued to manage the medical emergency.
The effort reportedly lasted approximately 40 minutes and proved physically demanding for those involved. McDonald said the group had to continuously hold the pilot in place, using multiple seatbelts to keep him restrained until the situation was brought under control.
A registered nurse who happened to be aboard directed the passenger response and helped attend to the captain throughout the emergency.
It is important to note that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises against physically restraining someone experiencing a seizure due to the risk of further injury. The recommended protocol is to clear the surrounding area of sharp or dangerous objects, turn the person gently onto their side, and keep their airway clear. McDonald praised the flight crew throughout the incident: “The flight attendants were stupendous. They stayed calm.”
How The First Officer Landed the Aircraft Safely
While passengers attended to the captain in the cabin, the first officer — alone on the flight deck — took full command of AC7664. The first officer successfully diverted the aircraft and safely touched down at BOS at 1:37 p.m. local time. Air Canada confirmed to Fox News that its pilots are fully trained to fly and land safely without the assistance of a second pilot.
The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport), which oversees BOS, confirmed the aircraft landed without incident. Massport Fire Rescue and Boston EMS responded to the crew as necessary once the aircraft was on the ground. Air Canada’s official statement, as reported by The Canadian Press, read: “Pilots are trained to fly aircraft and land safely without the assistance of a second pilot.” The captain was subsequently taken to a hospital in Boston for medical treatment, the airline confirmed.
Emergency responders met the aircraft on the tarmac upon landing. McDonald told ABC News that he was relieved once all passengers were safely off the aircraft: “We’re just grateful, grateful for how it all ended.”
Air Canada’s Statement and Passenger Rebooking Plans
Air Canada issued a formal statement acknowledging the incident. The Canadian Press quoted the airline as confirming that Flight AC7664 was operated by PAL Airlines on the afternoon of June 24, 2026, and that the captain experienced a medical issue and was removed from the flight deck in accordance with safety protocols. The airline confirmed that 61 customers were aboard the De Havilland Q400. Air Canada is working to help all 61 customers make new travel arrangements “to complete their journeys as soon as possible.”
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