Flight diverted to Bucharest after medical emergency
A Pegasus Airlines Airbus A321 operating flight PG397 from St. Petersburg to Istanbul made an emergency landing at Bucharest's airport after a passenger fell ill, according to the civil aviation news portal HavaSosyalMedya, as reported by TASS. The crew relayed an emergency on board and requested permission to land in the Romanian capital, with the landing carried out without incident.
Passenger identified as renowned conductor Sergey Stadler
Multiple reports from TASS, citing a source in St. Petersburg's culture committee, identified the passenger as Sergey Stadler, People's Artist of Russia, artistic director of the Petersburg Concert, and chief conductor of the St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra. Stadler died on board the flight, according to the same source, which did not specify the cause of death.
Stadler was widely recognized as a world-renowned violinist, conductor, and teacher. His death prompted condolences from St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov, who expressed his sympathy over the loss of the artist, TASS reported.
Flight resumes and lands in Istanbul
According to a source in air traffic control services of the European Union, as cited by TASS, the aircraft remained in Bucharest for approximately three hours before continuing its journey to Istanbul. The plane subsequently landed at Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport, the source said.
The reports did not provide further details about the circumstances of Stadler's death or the exact sequence of events on board, and the account from HavaSosyalMedya initially described the emergency as related to a passenger feeling unwell, without naming the individual.
Reactions and background
Sergey Stadler was a prominent figure in Russia's classical music scene, serving as chief conductor of the St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra and artistic director of the Petersburg Concert. His death at age 62 has prompted widespread grief among colleagues and cultural officials, with Governor Beglov's message highlighting his contributions to Russian music.
As of this report, no official statement has been issued by Pegasus Airlines or Romanian authorities regarding the incident, and the exact cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.