Taiwanese Star Alliance carrier EVA Air is receiving quite a bit of scrutiny over a recent incident, which certainly points to the airline not prioritizing the wellbeing of its employees…
In this post:
Ill EVA Air flight attendant forced to work, then dies
There’s quite a bit of outcry in Taiwan over an incident that happened on September 25, 2025, on flight BR95, from Milan (MXP) to Taipei (TPE). A 34-year-old flight attendant working the flight reportedly became ill during the outbound portion of the trip (to Milan). She had reported this to the cabin crew manager, but the manager didn’t take action, and she was forced to continue working.
Then on the return flight, her condition worsened. Despite that, the cabin crew manager reportedly didn’t contact Medlink (a ground based service that offers guidance during inflight medical emergencies), and insisted that she continue working.
Even after the plane landed back in Taipei, the manager ignored the flight attendant’s request to use a wheelchair, or to call an ambulance. She was eventually taken to a hospital, where she later died.
According to a fellow EVA Air flight attendant, “this was not some regrettable coincidence, but the result of systemic and long-term indifference to crew members’ health.”
In a joint statement, the Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union and EVA Airways Corporate Union said they hoped this would make the airline more responsive to the needs of cabin crew, as they’re currently often afraid to take sick or personal leave, because it can impact their performance review and annual bonus. The unions are also investigating whether the cabin crew manager’s behavior constituted workplace bullying.
EVA Air has opened an investigation to learn more facts, and is providing support to the victim’s family. Meanwhile the Taoyuan City Office of Labor Inspection has also dispatched officials to begin their own investigation of the incident.
What an awful and (presumably) avoidable incident
While we don’t know what the cause of the flight attendant’s death was, one assumes that if she had received medical attention, her odds of surviving would’ve been much higher. She already wasn’t feeling well on the outbound flight, then felt worse on the return flight, and was then even denied help at the airport. That’s just really wrong, plain and simple.
This should definitely be investigated, not only by the airline, but also by Taiwan’s labor authorities. Based on what we know, it sure sounds like the cabin manager should’ve done more to look after the flight attendant.
On some level, I suspect this is an issue that’s more likely at airlines with very high service and image standards. Often following the rules and presenting a good image get in the way of taking care of people. This almost certainly wouldn’t have happened at a US airline, due in no small part to us not having the same hierarchical structure with flight attendants.
Bottom line
An EVA Air flight attendant tragically passed away after becoming progressively more sick on a trip to Milan. The flight attendant informed the cabin crew manager, but was allegedly told to continue working, and wasn’t given the help she needed.
The situation got so bad that she even requested an ambulance, but was denied, only to then later pass away in a hospital. My thoughts are with the flight attendant’s family, and here’s to hoping that this leads to some change. The wellbeing of flight attendants can’t be ignored in this way.
I’ll tell you something that did happen in the United States with a U.S. airline. Less then ten years ago a belt loader that was being used to load luggage at the rear of an airline sudden stopped running and broke. A ramp supervisor ordered a ramp employee to take the parking brake off and physically push the heavy belt loading away from the airplane so that it could be dispatched on time. The company’s...
I’ll tell you something that did happen in the United States with a U.S. airline. Less then ten years ago a belt loader that was being used to load luggage at the rear of an airline sudden stopped running and broke. A ramp supervisor ordered a ramp employee to take the parking brake off and physically push the heavy belt loading away from the airplane so that it could be dispatched on time. The company’s standard operating procedures required that the belt loader be towed by another piece of equipment, but the superior was worried about taking a delay so he told the employee to push it away. The employee hurt his back so badly that he could never return to his job. The supervisor denied telling the employee to push the equipment by hand.
Given that some of this incident happened in Milan, I wonder whether the EU will take interest. They have actual worker protection laws.
IMO, if she asked for an ambulance after landing, and the manager really refused to call one, that’s when this escalated from a workplace issue into a criminal issue.
To those victimizing the victim questioning as to whether or not they had a pre existing condition or even went for medical attention while in Milan are moot points. She should have been given medical attention onboard at the onset.
100%
There's a real problem with victim shaming in our society, sadly. I pity those that instead choose to vilify the vulnerable. Empathy is not weakness. Compassion is strength.
Very disturbing incident. 34 years is a young age, and the poor staff had asked for help, which was not attended to. The matter should not be left unattended, and a full clinical audit should be performed to protect the welfare of others.
Those Asians need to stop being followers and worker bees and learn to stand up for themselves. In the US, the sick flight attendant would've called an ambulance or gone to the hospital herself, not wait for permission from some manager! Maybe if they started thinking and acting for themselves instead of just doing whatever they're told to do by the authorities, then Asian countries wouldn't be police state dictatorships!
It is fascinating the comments here about unions now, given that it was not too long ago many posters here were calling for their complete annihilation when Ben posted other articles indicating they were calling for better working conditions for their members.
It is ever amazing that it has to take the death of someone...
I wonder if she sought medical care in Milan between the two flights, and if so, what was found (or not).
It is reported that she askedfro ambulance, and the her manager told her that it cost too much for an ambulance and she will have to pay for it.
Did she tell her manager that Sum Ting Wong? lol
Moron
You are a disgusting creature who has the heart to joke over a person's death!
Jokes *can* be fun. But, apparently, there is 'a line.' I haven't forgotten about Asiana Flight 214, either. 3 people died following that incident. Since someone died here, too... it's... bad karma.
EVA's FA union is very much in the fight. If they "exploit" this incident to better conditions for their members, it's a good thing. And it's good this story is public and covered by actual journalists, which can happen in Taiwan, but not in China. @Mg's comment suggests that since the union didn't prevent the death from happening, therefore union bad; make what you will of the logic.
I've visited Taiwan and flown EVA multiple...
EVA's FA union is very much in the fight. If they "exploit" this incident to better conditions for their members, it's a good thing. And it's good this story is public and covered by actual journalists, which can happen in Taiwan, but not in China. @Mg's comment suggests that since the union didn't prevent the death from happening, therefore union bad; make what you will of the logic.
I've visited Taiwan and flown EVA multiple times. Please believe me when I tell you both are treasures worth fighting for. You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone.
100%
DenB gets it.
She died from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm is my guess. Not as likely is heart attack, meningitis, small bowel obstruction, pulmonary embolism.
I did not use AI buy someone might want to try chat gpt. Instead, I am from the Hard Knocks Medical College and did residency at the Holiday Inn Express and fellowship at the Dr. Google Medical Center
Alrighty then, Dr. Mantis Toboggan...
Nicely referenced!
Indeed the health of the crew should be a top concern. Without knowing the nature of the illness, others could have been at risk. Sadly her death could enforce changes. Comforting thoughts to her loved ones.
34 years old is too young, so I'm curious what was the cause of death. It's not like a 60 or even 50 year old passing, but someone in their 30s. Unless they had an undisclosed preexisting condition.
Recently flew Europe to Singapore with Singapore Airlines. Approx half way through (whilst most were sleeping) an announcement was made that a crew member was unwell and needed the support of a doctor, and the cabin lights were turned on. For an airline, like Singapore, who takes pride in every little aspect of their image, they clearly saw it beneficial to wake most of the plane in the hopes that a passenger could help their...
Recently flew Europe to Singapore with Singapore Airlines. Approx half way through (whilst most were sleeping) an announcement was made that a crew member was unwell and needed the support of a doctor, and the cabin lights were turned on. For an airline, like Singapore, who takes pride in every little aspect of their image, they clearly saw it beneficial to wake most of the plane in the hopes that a passenger could help their crew (as they should). Thankfully the crew member was okay and flight continued. Disappointing that EVA lacked care for their own people.
This is quite sad and concerning. Glad there is an ongoing investigation, and thank you Ben for reporting on it. The manager's failure to at least contact Medlink is problematic, and perhaps was a violation of the airline's procedures.
I'd imagine that without the support of the Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union and EVA Airways Corporate Union, perhaps, this would've been quickly 'swept under the rug' in order to 'save face' for the company. So,...
This is quite sad and concerning. Glad there is an ongoing investigation, and thank you Ben for reporting on it. The manager's failure to at least contact Medlink is problematic, and perhaps was a violation of the airline's procedures.
I'd imagine that without the support of the Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union and EVA Airways Corporate Union, perhaps, this would've been quickly 'swept under the rug' in order to 'save face' for the company. So, in a way, it's yet another example of how worker protections and organizing are important in aviation and other industries.
Also, if this had happened in the CCP-occupied 'mainland,' the story could have 'disappeared.' Recall, Taiwan remains a free, independent country. I'm sure many of us have visited, and respect their sovereignty. If you disagree, please do 'attempt' using a visa for one to go to the other.
"...it's yet another example of how worker protections and organizing are important in aviation and other industries."
Bingo.
Thank you for that specific endorsement. It's actually a pleasant surprise to me.
Occasionally, there are commenters on travel blogs like OMAAT who seem to 'hate' unions. Unless they are literal shills paid by those companies to talk bad about organized labor, it's just wild to me to see random people attack these organizations that fight for higher wages, retirement benefits, improved conditions, stable schedules, and so much more. Like, do people enjoy their...
Thank you for that specific endorsement. It's actually a pleasant surprise to me.
Occasionally, there are commenters on travel blogs like OMAAT who seem to 'hate' unions. Unless they are literal shills paid by those companies to talk bad about organized labor, it's just wild to me to see random people attack these organizations that fight for higher wages, retirement benefits, improved conditions, stable schedules, and so much more. Like, do people enjoy their weekends? 40-hour work week? A living, no a thriving, wage? C'mon.
For the haters, I imagine they've got certain cable news stations on in the background, pumping out anti-worker, pro-corporate, 'rugged individualism' propaganda.
But, to hear it from anyone who actually works in aviation (or other industries where unions still exist), friends, please, if you're already paying dues, but don't like what the union is doing, by all means, get involved, run for leadership, be the change.
^^yep, the workers protections sure worked to benefit for the deceased flight attendant^^.......
Saving face is probably what motivated the Cabin Crew Manager's actions. It doesn't look too good when people see a sick cabin crew member or crew in a wheelchair or being taken away by ambulance in full uniform. Perish the thought! Like Ben said " Often following the rules and presenting a good image get in the way of taking care of people." Cabin crew are also human beings and the death of an actual...
Saving face is probably what motivated the Cabin Crew Manager's actions. It doesn't look too good when people see a sick cabin crew member or crew in a wheelchair or being taken away by ambulance in full uniform. Perish the thought! Like Ben said " Often following the rules and presenting a good image get in the way of taking care of people." Cabin crew are also human beings and the death of an actual human being is not the way the airline should want to learn this lesson.
Well said, MetsNomad. (Ya gotta believe, but, oof.)
They say, "every safety rule and regulation is written in blood." Lest we forget. Of course, not every rule or practice is literally 'life or death,' but there are real reasons behind them.
At times, it feels like some among us too quick to seek to remove the '100-year-flood levee' because 'well, there hasn't been a flood in about a century...' *facepalm*
Obviously very unfortunate. The big outstanding question for me, and it’s odd the article doesn’t mention it, is whether the FA sought medical attention on her own while in Milan. Did company regulations or the potential cost prevent her from doing so? It looks like they’d have a 28 or more hour layover. It doesn’t excuse the behavior of the cabin manager, but seems odd.