In-flight medical emergencies hit 2,510 in January to August, already above last year's total: 12 diversions and returns
TripX Verified · 2 sources · checked 2026-10-31Key points
- Korean airlines recorded 2,510 in-flight medical emergencies from January to August, already above last year's 2,508.
- From 2023 to August this year there were 23 returns, 28 diversions, 56 CPR cases and 15 deaths on board.
- Passenger illness is not subject to mandatory safety reporting, so there is no government analysis; keeping medicines in your carry-on is the safer choice.
In this guide
More passengers fall suddenly ill on board each year. From January to August this year, Korean airlines recorded 2,510 in-flight medical emergencies, already more than the 2,508 for all of last year. Flights that turned back or changed destination because of a sick passenger also reached 12 by August, above last year's full-year 11.
This article is based on October 31 reports (Yonhap News and Digital Times) on data that lawmaker Hwang Hee of the National Assembly's land and transport committee obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Korea Airports Corporation and Incheon International Airport Corporation. The figures cover Korean airlines only and are not an official government analysis.
At a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| January to August this year | 2,510 in-flight medical emergencies (2,508 for all of last year) |
| By year | 1,592 in 2023 · 1,942 in 2024 · 2,508 last year |
| Returns and diversions | 23 returns · 28 diversions (2023 to August this year) |
| CPR and AED | 56 · 51 (2023 to August this year) |
| Deaths on board | 15 (2023 to August this year) |
| Airport emergency teams | 365 of 1,445 call-outs (25.3%) ended in hospital transfer |
How fast it is rising: 1,592 → 1,942 → 2,508
In-flight medical emergencies rose every year: 1,592 in 2023, 1,942 in 2024 and 2,508 last year. This year there were already 2,510 from January to August.
By airline, January to August this year: Korean Air 1,575, Asiana Airlines 602, Jin Air 80, Trinity Airways (formerly T'way Air) 79, Air Premia 47, Eastar Jet 45, Parata Air 33 and Aero K 22. Korean Air and Asiana together account for 2,177, or 86.7% of the total. The larger carriers fly more and longer routes, but the reports did not include figures by route.
What happened on board: diversions, CPR and deaths
Over the 3 years and 8 months from 2023 to August this year, sick passengers caused 23 flights to turn back and 28 to divert to another airport.
In the same period, crews and others performed CPR on board 56 times: 12 in 2023, 16 in 2024, 12 last year and 16 so far this year to August, already above last year. An AED was used 51 times, medical professionals on board helped in 2,667 cases, and there were 15 deaths on board.
After landing: 1,445 airport ambulance call-outs
In the same period, airport emergency teams were called out 1,445 times for in-flight medical cases, and 365 of them (25.3%) ended with the patient taken to hospital. Call-outs were highest at Incheon (1,042), followed by Gimhae (196) and Gimpo (143). Hospital transfers were 124 at Incheon, 115 at Gimhae and 76 at Gimpo.
Why there is no separate government analysis
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport oversees crew first-aid training and the medical equipment carried on board, but it has never separately analysed or reviewed in-flight medical cases. It explained that natural illness or cardiac arrest among passengers is not subject to mandatory aviation safety reporting, so each airline manages these cases itself.
Lawmaker Hwang Hee said the ministry should share emergency response cases with related ministries, airlines and airport operators and check for gaps. As of the check date, no new rule has been announced.
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Frequently asked questions
How many in-flight medical emergencies happen in a year?
On Korean airlines there were 2,508 last year. This year there were already 2,510 from January to August alone.
Do flights turn back because of a sick passenger?
Yes. From 2023 to August this year there were 23 returns and 28 diversions. This year there were 12 by August, more than last year's 11.
What should I do if I feel unwell during a flight?
Tell the cabin crew right away. Crews receive first-aid training, and in the same period medical professionals on board helped in 2,667 cases.
Sources
- Yonhap News (Oct 31, 2026; on in-flight medical emergency data that lawmaker Hwang Hee's office obtained from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Korea Airports Corporation and Incheon International Airport Corporation, in Korean)
- Digital Times (Oct 31, 2026; on in-flight medical emergencies, diversions and deaths on Korean airlines, in Korean)
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This guide is Global TripX’s summary of the information published in the sources above. It is not a first-hand review, and rules and schedules can change, so check official guidance again before you travel.
TripX Verified: the date we matched the facts in this guide against the original sources below. Rules can change.
