A flight from Seoul to Zürich was forced to divert to Kazakhstan after the co-pilot experienced a medical emergency mid-flight. Swiss flight LX124 departed from Seoul, South Korea, at just before 10 a.m. local time on Wednesday, 6 May, for what was scheduled to be a 12-and-a-half-hour journey to Zürich, Switzerland.
Diversion Over Kazakhstan
Approximately six hours into the flight, while flying over Kazakhstan, the Airbus A350 made a sharp turn south over the Karaganda region and altered its course toward Almaty, the country's largest city. The aircraft landed at Almaty International Airport just before 1 p.m. local time.
Swiss confirmed that the unscheduled landing was due to a “medical emergency involving the co-pilot.” Although the specific condition of the co-pilot was not disclosed, the airline reported that three doctors were on board and able to provide medical assistance. Based on their recommendation, the crew decided to divert to Almaty to ensure the pilot could receive medical care as quickly as possible.
Medical Response and Passenger Accommodation
Upon landing, the ill co-pilot was immediately taken to a hospital, accompanied by another crew member. The 227 passengers and the remaining 12 crew members have been provided hotel accommodations in Almaty. Swiss stated that an additional pilot will travel to the city to complete the journey to Zürich.
Although two other pilots are part of the current crew, Swiss explained that the flight cannot continue today “for regulatory and safety-related reasons.” The two other pilots are captains, and strict regulations require a pilot specifically qualified to operate from the co-pilot’s right-hand seat. Additionally, continuing the flight would have caused the crew to exceed legally prescribed maximum duty times before reaching Zürich.
Swiss Statement
“We fully understand that the unscheduled landing in Almaty and the necessary stay there are causing inconvenience to our guests and affecting their travel plans. We sincerely regret this. At the same time, we kindly ask for understanding that the health and wellbeing of our colleague are the top priority in this situation,” Swiss said in a statement. “Our teams are doing everything possible to support all those affected during this extraordinary situation. They are proactively informing our guests about the next steps.”
Once the crew has rested and the additional pilot arrives, the airline said the flight will continue to Zürich, with the plane expected to depart from Almaty at 1:45 a.m. local time. Arrival in Zürich is scheduled for Friday morning, 8 May, at 6:30 a.m.
