A man traveling on a Kolkata bound SpiceJet flight from Chennai today died after falling ill on board, officials said.

The flight was immediately diverted to Bhubaneswar after he complained of breathing problems with suspected paralysis.

The passenger identified as Ashok Kumar Sharma, 48, wastaken to a private hospital by officials in an Airport Authority of Indiaambulance where he was declared brought dead by the doctors.

According to the director of Biju Patnaik International Aiport, the SpiceJet flight 623 landed at the airport at 11:15 am. Soon after that, the passenger was rushed to Terminal 1 medical room and then to Apollo Hospital.

After examining the patient, Dr Rath confirmed that Mr Ashok was brought dead. His body has been sent to Capital Hospital for post-mortem.