Vietnam Airlines makes emergency landing in Istanbul to aid passenger

Flight VN30 was airborne for about an hour when a 57-year-old Vietnamese male passenger began showing signs of a serious health issue, according to the national flag carrier.

The cabin crew immediately issued an onboard call for medical assistance.

Three doctors present among the passengers responded and provided first aid, but the passenger’s condition did not improve.

In response to the escalating emergency, the flight’s pilot decided to divert and land in Istanbul to ensure the passenger could receive urgent medical care.

After the aircraft landed safely, the passenger was swiftly transferred to a local medical facility for treatment.

Vietnam Airlines confirmed that the crew worked closely with officials from Turkish Airport to expedite necessary procedures, including refueling, to resume the flight.

The plane continued its journey and landed in Ho Chi Minh City at 5:32 pm local time the same day, over three hours later than scheduled.

This is not the first time Vietnam Airlines has diverted a flight due to medical emergencies.

On June 29, flight VN7569 from Hanoi to Cam Ranh in south-central Vietnam made an unscheduled stop in Da Nang City to assist a passenger in distress.

Similarly, on May 5, flight VN35 from Hanoi to Frankfurt landed in Erzurum, Turkey under comparable circumstances.

The airline has reiterated its advice for passengers to monitor their health prior to travel and consult with medical professionals, if needed, to ensure flight safety for all onboard.