Vietnam Airlines 787 Operated Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Turkey

HO CHI MINH CITY- Vietnam Airlines (VN) flight from Hanoi (HAN) to Frankfurt (FRA) diverted to Erzurum (ERZ), Turkey, on May 6, 2025, due to a medical emergency.

The swift action ensured the passenger received urgent care, highlighting the airline’s safety focus. This also examined the operational and passenger impacts due to the incident.

Photo- BriYYZ from Toronto, Canada | Wikimedia Commons

Vietnam Airlines Emergency Landing

On May 6, 2025, Vietnam Airlines (VN) flight VN37, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, departed Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) for Frankfurt Airport (FRA).

Approximately 8 hours into the 12-hour journey, a 61-year-old Vietnamese male passenger experienced severe breathing difficulties and oxygen deficiency.

The cabin crew issued an onboard medical call, and a doctor among the passengers assisted with first aid and oxygen.

Given the passenger’s critical condition, the flight crew diverted to Erzurum Airport (ERZ) in eastern Turkey, the nearest suitable facility.

The aircraft landed at 10:32 AM (Vietnam time), and emergency medical teams promptly boarded to transfer the passenger and a family member to a local hospital. The decisive action ensured timely care, reflecting Vietnam Airlines’ (VN) commitment to passenger safety.

Photo- Flightradar24

Operational Impact

The diversion to Erzurum (ERZ) delayed flight VN37 by over 6 hours. After completing procedural checks and securing clearance from Turkish authorities, the aircraft resumed its journey at 3:00 PM on May 6, arriving in Frankfurt (FRA) significantly behind schedule.

The delay incurred costs, including additional fuel, ground handling, and rescheduling, but Vietnam Airlines (VN) prioritised the passengers’ well-being over operational efficiency.

Passengers supported the crew’s decision, commending their professionalism. The airline assisted, such as with refreshments, to mitigate inconvenience.

The incident underscores the logistical challenges of unscheduled landings, particularly in remote locations like Erzurum (ERZ), which may lack extensive airline support infrastructure.

Photo: Clément Alloing

Previous Medical Incidents

Previous incidents include flight VN1602 from Buon Ma Thuot (BMV) to Hanoi (HAN), diverted to Da Nang (DAD) in January 2025, and flight VN307 from Tokyo (NRT) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), diverted to Taiwan (TPE) in December 2024.

Medical diversions, while rare, pose significant challenges for airlines, requiring rapid decision-making and coordination across jurisdictions. The VN37 incident highlights the importance of onboard medical resources, crew training, and international cooperation to ensure seamless emergency responses.

The event also underscores the human element of aviation. Passenger support for the diversion reflects a shared understanding of prioritising life over convenience. Vietnam Airlines’ transparent communication and proactive measures further strengthen its reputation for reliability during crises.

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