Vietnam Airlines flight diverted to India after passenger suffers medical emergency

About eight hours after departure, a German passenger began experiencing breathing difficulties and showed signs of a worsening condition, the airline said.

Cabin crew provided immediate first aid and medical assistance, but the passenger's condition did not improve.

The crew then decided to divert the aircraft, a Boeing 787, to Kolkata Airport so the passenger could receive urgent care on the ground.

Vietnam Airlines' representatives in India worked with airport authorities and ground service providers to arrange emergency medical support upon landing.

The passenger was later taken to a local hospital for further treatment.

The flight resumed its journey after the situation was addressed, departing Kolkata at 5:30 am local time on Wednesday.

Vietnam Airlines described the diversion as a timely and necessary decision under the circumstances and pointed to the coordinated response of the flight crew, ground services, and local authorities.

The airline said they have previously adjusted flight operations in similar situations to assist passengers requiring medical care.

The carrier also advised passengers to carefully assess their health before traveling, seek medical advice if experiencing unusual symptoms, and reconsider flying when necessary, noting that doing so helps both individual passengers and others on board.