However, the co-pilot of flight QR 507 landed the plane safely, Qatar Airways said.
The plane landed at the Goa airport at around 7 am after getting the necessary clearances, said Airport Director BCH Negi.
"We received a message that the pilot on a Qatar Airways aircraft was feeling uneasy and that the plane sought permission for an emergency landing, which was granted after following all the procedures," he added.
Qatar Airways, in a statement later in the evening, confirmed the diversion of its aircraft to Dabolim airport here due to its pilot falling sick mid-air.
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"Our pilot fell ill. As per the Qatar Airways' procedure in these instances, the aircraft was diverted to the nearest airport, Goa International Airport, where our well-trained First Officer landed the aircraft safely shortly before 07:00 local time," the statement said.
The airline subsequently dispatched a relief aircraft to Goa to ferry the stranded passengers to their destination.
The new flight landed at Doha at around 1730 hours (local time), the statement added.