A Batik Air aircraft had to make an emergency landing in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara after the senior pilot fell ill and fainted in the cockpit.
According to the airline’s corporate communication strategic officer Danang Mandala Prihantoro, flight ID 6548 had 155 people on board but was landed safely bt the co-pilot.
Pilot Djarot Hermanto complained of a headache and fatigue and received first aid from crew members.
"The co-pilot immediately took command and informed the airport that the aircraft would perform an emergency landing. The crew followed standard operating procedures," Danang told The Jakarta Post.
"The cause of the pilot passing out is yet to be verified, we are still waiting for further examinations," said Barata Singgih Riwahono, Kupang Airport GM.
The Airbus jet was flying from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta.
The airline said crew members underwent a preflight check and all were deemed physically fit.
The National Transportation Safety Committee is investigating.
Batik Air is a member of Indonesia’s largest commercial aviation company Lion Air Group.
