SWISS' new Airbus A350‑900. Photo: SWISS SWISS flight LX123, which took off from Seoul to Zurich, made an emergency landing today (Wednesday, May 6) in the city of Almaty, Kazakhstan, following a medical incident involving the co-pilot during the flight.
According to the company's statement, the Airbus A350 had 227 passengers and 14 crew members on board. During the flight, the co-pilot felt unwell, and it was decided to divert to an airport for an immediate landing to receive medical treatment. Fortunately, three doctors present on the flight provided first aid to the co-pilot, and recommended that the plane should be landed as soon as possible.
Upon landing, the co-pilot was taken to a hospital accompanied by another crew member. The remaining passengers and crew were accommodated in hotels in the city, and at the same time another pilot was sent to Almati to enable the continuation of the flight.
Although two additional pilots remained on board, the flight could not be continued immediately. Safety and regulatory procedures require a qualified pilot to sit in the co-pilot position on the right side of the cockpit, with each position having specific training and practice. In addition, legal restrictions on aircrew working hours require rest before continuing the flight.
The company emphasizes that they are aware of the inconvenience caused to passengers due to the delay and unplanned stay, but notes that the health and well-being of the crew member is their top priority.
At 10:56 PM (GMT), it was reported that the flight was expected to take off again from Almati after the arrival of the additional pilot and the completion of the required rest time for the crew, with takeoff estimated to take place on the night between Thursday and Friday at 1:45 AM (local time), with a planned landing in Zurich on Friday morning, May 8, at 6:30 AM.