NEW DELHI: A suspected coronavirus patient sitting on the first row of a plane led to such scare that all passengers disembarked from the rear exit and the captain via the cockpit.

This happened on an AirAsia India flight I5-732 from Pune to Delhi on March 20, Times of India reported.
The passengers were subsequently screened and tested negative.

An AirAsia India spokesperson said: “There was a case reported of suspected Covid-19 passengers aboard I5-732, Pune to New Delhi on 20th March 2020, seated in Row 1. The passengers were subsequently screened and tested negative.

As a safety measure after landing, the aircraft was parked at a remote bay and suspected passengers disembarked from the front door.

All other passengers, escorted by the crew, disembarked from the rear door of the aircraft.”

“Crew in the cockpit self-quarantined till the cabin environment near the primary exit was ascertained to be safe. The captain elected to disembark from the secondary exit using a secure trestle, given the close proximity of the seats from the cockpit. The aircraft was fumigated and thorough disinfection and deep cleaning was carried out,” the spokesperson added.

(With inputs from agencies)