Medical situation grounds Saudia flight in Moncton

A Saudia Airlines Flight made an unscheduled stop at the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport Friday afternoon.

The flight, en route from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to New York, was forced to land because of a medical situation.

Julie Pondant, spokesperson for the airport, said landings due to medical reasons are not uncommon.

"This is something that happens once in awhile when we have medial diversions like that. An aircraft usually goes to the closest airport to land to be able to deplane the passenger," said Pondant.

What is somewhat unusual is the size of the plane. The Boeing 777 is the largest twinjet plane in existence and not usually seen at the airport.

"We don't typically see [them] in Moncton," said Pondant.

Pondant said the plane was on the ground for between an hour to an hour and a half.

Pondant said the airport couldn't release any information on the passenger.

Saudia has not responded to CBC News' request for comment.