Vietnam Airlines flight makes emergency landing in India to save German passenger

By Doan Loan   January 6, 2026 | 11:43 pm PT
Vietnam Airlines flight makes emergency landing in India to save German passenger
Emergency vehicles are ready to assist a German passenger who fell ill during a Vietnam Airlines flight at Kolkata Airport in India. Photo by VNA
A Vietnam Airlines flight traveling from Frankfurt to Hanoi made an emergency landing at Kolkata Airport in India on Tuesday to provide urgent medical care to a German passenger.

Flight VN36 was approximately eight hours into its journey on Jan. 6 when the medical emergency unfolded.

The male German passenger seated in 11F began showing signs of deteriorating health and significant breathing difficulty. Following emergency response protocols, the cabin crew administered first aid and provided on-board medical support.

As the passenger's condition did not improve, the flight crew decided to divert the aircraft to the nearest suitable facility in Kolkata so the individual could receive professional medical intervention.

Upon arrival, Vietnam Airlines representatives in India coordinated with ground service units and local airport authorities to transfer the patient to a nearby hospital.

After the medical support procedures were finalized and the aircraft was cleared for departure, Flight VN36 resumed its journey, taking off from Kolkata at 5:30 a.m. local time on Jan. 7 to complete its route to Hanoi.

 
 
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