SWISS Flight Diverted to Kazakhstan After Co-Pilot Falls Ill.
A Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) flight travelling from Seoul to Zurich made an emergency diversion to Almaty after the co-pilot suffered a medical emergency during the journey.
The airline confirmed that the Airbus A350 safely arrived back in Zurich on Friday morning at 6:45am with 221 passengers on board.
According to SWISS, the incident occurred on Wednesday while the aircraft was flying from Seoul to Zurich. After the co-pilot became unwell, three doctors travelling on the flight provided immediate first aid assistance.
Medical professionals on board later advised the crew to divert the aircraft so the co-pilot could receive urgent medical treatment.
The plane landed safely in Almaty, where emergency services transported the co-pilot to a local hospital for further care.
SWISS stated that the co-pilot remains in Kazakhstan but is currently in good health. Another crew member has stayed behind to support him.
All passengers who returned to Zurich on Friday were originally travelling on the diverted flight. Six passengers reportedly chose alternative travel arrangements from Almaty instead of waiting for the rescheduled service.
The airline also arranged onward travel connections for passengers continuing to other destinations after arriving in Zurich.
SWISS apologised for the disruption caused by the unexpected diversion and emphasized that the health and safety of passengers and crew remain its top priority.
