Swiss flight makes emergency landing in Almaty after pilot felt ill

The Airbus A350 was forced to carry out an emergency landing after the co-pilot’s condition suddenly deteriorated

A Swiss International Air Lines flight traveling from Seoul to Zurich made an emergency landing in Almaty after a crew member experienced a medical issue mid-flight, Qazinform News Agency reports.

According the press service of Almaty International Airport, the incident occurred on May 6, 2026, at 12:48 p.m. local time. The Airbus A350 was forced to carry out an emergency landing after the co-pilot’s condition suddenly deteriorated, with initial reports suggesting a suspected acute abdominal syndrome.

Emergency medical personnel were on standby when the aircraft landed and immediately provided first aid to the pilot. He was then transferred to a local ambulance team for further evaluation and transport.

The co-pilot was subsequently taken to city hospital No. 4 in Almaty, where he is undergoing medical examination and continued treatment.

Photo credit: Almaty city’s authority.

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