Air Canada pilot decides to divert airplane to save cargo passenger's life

Air Canada Flight 85 from Tel Aviv to Toronto was diverted when the captain noticed a jet's heating system malfunction, while he was preparing to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, according to CNN's City News.

French bulldog Simba was traveling by plane with its owner for the first time. The dog was transported into the cargo hold at the time of the malfunction, where the temperatures could drop below freezing level in case of technical difficulties, consequently putting the animal's life at risk.

The pilot decided to change the route and temporary land to Frankfurt, Germany, and save the little passenger's life.

Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick declared for CNN that, despite delay inconvenience, the pilot took the right decision:

"As soon as the crew became aware of the temperature issue, the captain grew rightfully concerned for the dog's comfort and well-being. With the altitude it can become very uncomfortable, and possibly the situation could have been life-threatening if the flight had continued. Frankfurt was a good choice due to proximity, the fact there are multiple Air Canada flights (and flights by our partner Lufthansa) to Canada each day, and also because the airport can turn aircraft quickly, meaning there would be little time on the ground. While we recognize this was an inconvenience for our customers, the overall reaction was positive, particularly once people understood the dog was in potential danger but safe as a result of the diversion.”

At the German airport, little Simba was boarded onto another flight and the Air Canada plane continued its course to its destination in Toronto.

Due to the captain's decision, the flight was delayed for about 75 minutes and cost the airline around £6,500 in fuel.

Simba's owner was delighted and grateful about the pilot's decision. "It's my dog, it's like (my) child. It's everything," he also declares for City News.

The other passengers and aviation expert Phyl Durby agreed that, considering the situation, it was definitely the best thing to do: “If you look at the outside temperature, if it’s minus 50 or 60, there is some insulation, but [the cargo area] will probably still get down to below freezing. The captain is responsible for all lives on board, whether it’s human or canine.”