Plane Passengers Stranded on Runway After Man Dies Onboard Flight: Reports

Plane passengers were left stranded on the runway at Sydney Airport after a man died onboard a flight.

According to news.com.au, Australian Federal Police and NSW Ambulance received an alert about an unresponsive passenger at around 6:20 a.m. local time on Wednesday, July 2.

7News reported that the flight from Dubai landed on the tarmac shortly after 6 a.m. before paramedics arrived to treat a 66-year-old man.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene and is believed to have died of natural causes, per the outlets.

According to news.com.au, passengers were left stuck on the plane and unable to disembark for some time.

In a statement to PEOPLE, NSW Police Force said that the man suffered a medical episode during the flight.

“About 6.15am today (Wednesday 2 July 2025), emergency services attended Sydney International Airport, Mascot, following reports a man had suffered a medical episode,” the statement read. “Officers attached to South Sydney Police Area Command attended and were told a man, aged in his 60s, suffered a medical episode during the flight.”

They added, “The man could not be revived. Police will prepare a report for the coroner.”

PEOPLE has contacted the NSW Ambulance, Emirates and Sydney Airport for comment.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In a statement obtained by news.com.au and 7News, Emirates confirmed a passenger traveling from Dubai to Sydney on flight EK412 was found unresponsive.

“Our cabin crew administered CPR; however, the passenger had sadly passed away,” the statement read. “Upon arrival, the flight was met by local authorities. There was a brief delay in disembarking passengers, and to the flight between Sydney and Christchurch to allow all relevant authorities to complete their investigations.”

They added, “Emirates expresses its condolences to the family.”

A spokesperson from Sydney Airport also confirmed to Sky News Australia on July 2 that all passengers had left the aircraft and that there were no more expected delays.

According to news.com.au, police are investigating the man’s death.