Passenger's death delays Dubai flight

A man's death on Emirates airline flight EK 913 to Damascus that was scheduled to depart from Dubai International Airport Tuesday afternoon caused the flight's delay, Emirates airline confirmed in a statement to Gulf News on Tuesday. "Emirates confirms that a 66-year-old male passenger passed away after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest shortly before EK 913 departed from Dubai to Damascus," a spokesperson for the airline said. The passenger, who was of Syrian origin and whose name was not revealed by the airline, received emergency medical attention on board but died on the spot. "Emirates offers its condolences to the passenger's family and friends," the spokesperson added.  He also confirmed that Tuesday's flight EK 913 "departed (from Dubai International Airport) after a short delay at 5:45pm." After the incident, the rest of the passengers on the three-and-a-half hour flight to the Syrian capital had to disembark and wait at Dubai International Airport's Terminal 3, according to K.W., a 33-year-old Syrian housewife on the flight. "It was really sad what happened on the flight. The man, who appeared to be in his late 60s, was obviously experiencing some discomfort when the plane was taxiing on the runway before takeoff. Article continues below Call for help "His wife called the crew for help and the plane was stopped to allow medics in. They carried him from the Economy to Business class of the plane and afterwards I heard one medic say the gentleman had no pulse," K.W. said. "Although we received no official confirmation from the airline, most of the passengers were of the opinion that he died instantly," she added.