Pilot aborts takeoff so passengers can see dying grandson

Etihad Airways is often praised for having some of the most luxurious planes in the sky, but a pilot recently showed it has a pretty incredible staff as well.

Last week, a couple was traveling from Manchester to Australia with a stop scheduled in Abu Dhabi.

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As the plane was readying for take off, they received a text message alerting them that their grandson was in intensive care and they needed to get to the hospital.

When the pilot learned of their situation, he turned the aircraft around so the couple could make it to their dying grandson's side.

The boy died the next day and, according to the couple's travel agent, if they'd had to fly to and back from Abu Dhabi, they may not have made it in time to say goodbye.

The story was shared on Facebook by Becky Stephenson, the travel agent who dealt with the couple.

She commented: "Never in the 25 years I have been in travel have I ever heard of an airline going above and beyond with their customer service."

On Twitter Ian Fryer said: "@EtihadAirways well done, full credit, full respect to the airline and crew", Andy&Sarah Williams added: "What a sad story but full credit for those at Etihad who made this happen, I've got some belief back in the human race."

Meanwhile readers reacting to the story on the Manchester Evening News Facebook page praised the actions of the Etihad pilot and crew.

Jonny Beswick said: "Thumbs up to that pilot and my sincerest condolences to that family" while Sheila Mountney said: "Well done to Etihad for being so compassionate regarding these grandparents agony and distress."