A Vietnam Airlines flight from Da Nang to Hanoi made an emergency landing in Hue on the morning of June 16 to provide urgent medical assistance to a 25-year-old passenger experiencing a health emergency shortly after takeoff. The airline emphasized that passenger safety remains its top priority, despite the added operational costs.
A Vietnam Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing on Monday morning, June 16, after a young female passenger onboard suffered a sudden health crisis.
Flight VN158, en route from Da Nang to Hanoi, had only been airborne for about five minutes when the 25-year-old Vietnamese passenger, identified as T.T.P.D. and seated in 11B, began showing signs of a serious medical issue. The flight crew immediately broadcast a call for medical professionals onboard while providing first aid and administering oxygen.
Despite these efforts, the passenger's condition failed to improve. Acting swiftly, the captain contacted Vietnam Airlines’ operations center and coordinated with ground staff at Phu Bai Airport in Hue to prepare emergency medical support. The flight was then diverted and landed safely in Hue to ensure the passenger received timely treatment.
After landing, the passenger was transported to a local hospital, accompanied by a relative and a representative from the airline. Flight VN158 later resumed its journey to Hanoi at 9:10 a.m., arriving approximately one hour behind schedule.
Vietnam Airlines acknowledged that the diversion led to additional expenses, including fuel, ground services, and flight schedule adjustments. However, the airline reaffirmed that passenger safety and well-being always take precedence over operational costs.
This is not the first time Vietnam Airlines has altered its flight path to assist passengers in medical distress. On May 5, flight VN35 from Hanoi to Frankfurt diverted to Erzurum, Turkey, for a similar emergency. In January, another flight from Buon Ma Thuot to Hanoi was rerouted to Da Nang for urgent medical attention.
Vietnam Airlines’ consistent prioritization of health and safety continues to earn the carrier respect and trust from travelers across the world.