An airplane crew member dies of a heart attack during the flight

A flight attendant died in midair after suffering a heart attack en route to Paris.

Yasser Saleh Al Yazidi fell ill after the seven and a half hour Gulf Air flight departed from Bahrain.

The pilots were forced to make an emergency landing in Erbil, Iraq, just hours after the trip began.

They had reached an altitude of 34,000 feet when the crew member suffered the heart attack, Erbil Airport director said.

Although the crew member was taken to hospital immediately after landing, Yasser was pronounced dead on arrival.

The GF-19 aircraft had to be grounded for four hours before continuing its original journey.

Gulf Air said: “The national carrier sends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the crew member and confirms that the flight to Paris has continued as planned.

“GulfAir reassures that the safety of its passengers and crew is its top priority and thanks the passengers on the affected flight for their patience and understanding.”

Two weeks ago a passenger died on an easyJet flight to Gatwick Airport.

The man, who appeared to be in his 50s, did not wake up, although cabin crew used a defibrillator to save him.

Two people offered their help, but none could do more than trained crew members.

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