Vietnam Airlines flight diverts to Pakistan after German passenger suffers seizure

A Vietnam Airlines flight from HCMC to Munich, Germany, diverted to Islamabad International Airport in Pakistan after a German male passenger suffered a seizure.

The incident occurred during the operation of flight VN35 on Saturday night, Vietnam Airlines said. After noticing the passenger’s health condition, the flight attendants quickly provided necessary assistance and called for help from medically trained passengers on board.

After examining the passenger, a doctor on the flight determined that he needed urgent medical care and recommended landing so he could reach a medical facility as soon as possible.

The flight crew decided to change course and land at Islamabad International Airport after about six hours in the air. The airline coordinated with ground staff at the airport to receive the aircraft and assist the passenger.

The plane was then refueled and cleared to resume its journey to Munich. Vietnam Airlines worked with relevant parties to arrange suitable travel for passengers who missed connecting flights because of the diversion.

A Vietnam Airlines aircraft takes off at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCMC, January 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

This was not the first time Vietnam Airlines had changed a flight’s route to assist a passenger with a health emergency.

On Sept. 5, flight VN38 from Copenhagen, Denmark, to HCMC diverted to Yangon, Myanmar, after a pregnant passenger went into labor and gave birth on board.

With help from the flight attendants and five passengers with medical expertise, the delivery was completed safely. The mother and child were then taken to a hospital for further care.

Earlier, flights VN524 on June 24 and VN36 on Jan. 7 also diverted, landing in Hong Kong and Kolkata, India, respectively, to provide emergency care to passengers with health problems.

Vietnam Airlines advises passengers to monitor their health before each flight. Those experiencing unusual symptoms or health problems should consult a doctor before departure and inform the airline so it can offer appropriate advice and assistance.