Vietnam Airlines flight diverts to Pakistan as German passenger suffers seizure

Vietnam Airlines said on Sunday that flight VN35 had made an unscheduled landing at Islamabad International Airport following the medical emergency.

According to the airline, a German male passenger suddenly experienced a seizure during the flight, prompting the cabin crew to administer first aid and seek assistance from medical professionals on board.

After examining the passenger, a doctor determined that he needed urgent hospital treatment and recommended diverting the aircraft.

The flight crew subsequently decided to land in Islamabad, while Vietnam Airlines coordinated with ground staff in Pakistan to arrange medical assistance.

The aircraft was expected to resume its journey to Munich after the passenger received assistance, the plane was refueled, and flight clearance was obtained.

The airline also arranged support for passengers who missed connecting flights due to the diversion.

Vietnam Airlines said similar medical emergencies had prompted several flight diversions earlier this year.

On September 5, flight VN38 from Copenhagen, Denmark to Ho Chi Minh City was diverted to Yangon, Myanmar after a pregnant passenger went into labor and gave birth on board.

With assistance from the cabin crew and five passengers with medical expertise, the mother and newborn were safely transferred to a hospital.

Earlier, flight VN524 on June 24 and flight VN36 on January 7 were diverted to Hong Kong and Kolkata, India, respectively, to provide emergency medical assistance to passengers.