Flight VN36, which departed Frankfurt on January 6, was diverted to Kolkata airport after a German passenger began showing severe symptoms, including breathing difficulties, approximately eight hours after takeoff.

The cabin crew immediately provided first aid and medical support in line with the airline’s emergency response procedures. As the passenger’s condition did not improve, the flight crew decided to divert the aircraft to ensure timely access to ground-based medical care.

Vietnam Airlines’ representatives in India coordinated with airport authorities and ground service providers to implement emergency medical arrangements upon landing. The passenger was subsequently transferred to a local hospital for further treatment.

After completing the medical assistance procedures, flight VN36 resumed its journey and departed Kolkata at 5:30 a.m. local time on January 7, the airline said.

Vietnam Airlines noted that the diversion was part of its standard safety and humanitarian protocols, which prioritize passenger health and safety above operational considerations.

The airline has previously diverted flights for similar medical emergencies. In September 2025, a Vietnam Airlines flight from Frankfurt to Ho Chi Minh City made an emergency landing in Istanbul. Other diversions in 2025 included flights rerouted to Da Nang, Kolkata and other regional airports to provide urgent medical support to passengers.

Vietnam Airlines flight makes emergency landing to assist Korean passenger

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