Finnair's flight AY1981, scheduled to depart from Helsinki to Doha, experienced an extensive delay of over three hours on Saturday. The aircraft was already taxiing when it had to return to the gate due to two separate incidents: a medical emergency involving a passenger and a situation where the pilot accidentally got glycol in his eye, as explained by Finnair's communications manager, Mari Kanerva. Glycol, an alcohol used in de-icing procedures for aircraft, reportedly ended up in the pilot's eye while he was conducting standard pre-flight checks outside the plane.

The precise details surrounding how the glycol came into contact with the pilot remained unclear, and further information about the health status of the passenger who required medical attention was not disclosed by the airline. This incident not only highlighted safety challenges in aviation procedures but also raised concerns regarding the protocols in place for handling medical emergencies during flight preparation. The flight, which was supposed to depart at 16:00, faced substantial delays with passengers waiting on board the aircraft.

In response to the unusual circumstances, Finnair provided meals to passengers while they waited on the ground, a rare occurrence during such delays. This proactive measure was likely an attempt to mitigate the frustrations of travelers, showcasing the airline’s commitment to passenger comfort despite the unforeseen events. Such delays underline the complexities of airline operations and the importance of safety measures for both crew and passengers alike.