Pilot aborts take-off just before flight so heartbroken grandparents can bid farewell to dying grandson

A sympathetic pilot decided to make a last minute U-turn on the runway so the grandparents aboard could get to their dying grandson's bedside.

Destined to reach Australia, the jet was about to take off from Manchester Airport when the couple received a message saying their grandchild was in intensive care.

Luckily they succeeded in getting the attention of the cabin crew and pilot - who then cancelled the take-off at the last minute, writes the Manchester Evening News.

The couple were able to disembark and gather their luggage after shortly returning to the gate.

Etihad Airways staff where on the ball, and even found the couple’s car and had it waiting for them as they exited the airport.

The couple arrived at the hospital and spent time at their grandson’s bedside, who unfortunately passed away the following day.

If the plane had taken off, the grandparents would have been on their way to Australia via Abu Dhabi and would not have been able to say their last goodbyes.

Their touching story was posted on Facebook by travel agent Becky Stephenson & the response of praise for the cabin crew’s actions have been pouring in from around the globe.

“I only heard about what had happened this week because I was away on an educational,” wrote Becky on the Travel Gossip Facebook page.

“I sent a message to Etihad’s sales manager to praise the staff and popped what had happened on Travel Gossip [a Facebook page], but I had no idea it would get so many likes and comments.

“It was such a sad thing that happened to my clients, but it was lovely that Etihad was able to help in the way they did”.

“They were on their way to Abu Dhabi so if they hadn’t been able to get off the plane they may not have made it back in time.

 “I contacted them to give my condolences and they said they were going to contact Etihad as well.”

He added:  “Every little thing you could think of, they took care of. Sadly my customers’ grandson passed away the day after but had they not been allowed off the flight and had to fly back from Abu Dhabi they may not have made it to his bedside.”