Vietnam Airlines flight VN56 departing from London (UK) to Hanoi at 6:55 p.m. (local time) on July 6 had to adjust its route, change direction to land at Kolkata airport (India) to support and rescue passengers with unusual signs of health.
About 9 hours after takeoff, passenger K.L (denish nationality), sitting in seat 26E, showed signs of unstable health. The crew issued a notice to seek medical support from experienced passengers and performed first aid.
In response to the health of passengers, the flight captain decided to change the emergency landing direction to Kolkata airport (India) and informed the ground division to deploy a medical support plan.
The plane landed safely in Kolkata, passengers were transferred to a local medical facility for further monitoring and treatment with the two relatives.
After completing the necessary procedures, flight VN56 continues its journey to Hanoi at 3:43 p.m. (local time) on July 7, 2025.
Vietnam Airlines said that in flight operations, the change of landing direction is a process prepared and implemented according to the highest safety principle. For Vietnam Airlines, each such decision is a testament to a strong commitment: the health and safety of passengers are always a top priority, whether that changes the operating plan or causes unexpected costs.
This is one of many cases in which Vietnam Airlines has adjusted its routes to support passengers in need of medical assistance. Previously, on June 30, 2025, flight VN7569 from Hanoi to Nha Trang had to land in Da Nang, on June 16, 2025, flight VN158 from Da Nang to Hanoi landed at Phu Bai airport (Hue) to rescue passengers. On May 5, 2025, flight VN35 from Hanoi to Frankfurt (Germany) also made an emergency landing at Erzurum airport (Türkiye) for the same reason.
Vietnam Airlines notes that passengers should proactively monitor and self-assess their health status before each trip. In case of detecting unusual signs, passengers should consult a doctor promptly and consider taking a flight to ensure safety of health.
