Investigations are now underway in Taiwan following the shocking death of a 34-year-old EVA Air flight attendant, who reportedly collapsed and died after being made to continue working mid-flight despite feeling seriously unwell.
The incident occurred on a long-haul flight from Milan, Italy, to Taipei, and has since triggered widespread public outrage and a closer look into workplace culture within the aviation industry.
Supervisor Allegedly Ignored Medical Emergency Protocols
According to a viral post believed to have been written by a fellow crew member, the in-flight supervisor allegedly ignored the flight attendant’s deteriorating condition and failed to contact EVA Air’s ground-based medical support system — a standard procedure during in-flight medical emergencies.
Instead, the supervisor reportedly insisted that the sick crew member continue working despite visible signs of distress. Upon landing, her requests for a wheelchair and ambulance were also ignored. The flight attendant was later rushed to hospital, where she succumbed to her illness.
The post, shared widely on Taiwanese social media, condemned the “systemic and long-term indifference” toward the health and well-being of flight attendants, describing the tragedy as a preventable workplace failure rather than an isolated case.
Unions Demand Accountability from EVA Air
In response, both the Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union and EVA Air’s corporate union released a joint statement urging a full investigation into the supervisor’s conduct. They are examining whether the actions — or lack thereof — constitute workplace bullying or negligence.
The unions also highlighted a growing culture of fear among cabin crew, many of whom reportedly avoid taking medical or personal leave to prevent negative performance evaluations and loss of annual bonuses. This toxic work environment, they argued, may have indirectly contributed to the flight attendant’s death.
Government Steps In As Public Anger Mounts
Taiwan’s Taoyuan City Office of Labour Inspection has confirmed it will launch its own investigation into the case. Authorities plan to examine whether EVA Air’s internal policies or supervisory practices violated labour safety regulations.
As the airline faces mounting public scrutiny, many have called for stronger protections for flight attendants and stricter enforcement of workplace safety laws within Taiwan’s aviation sector.
This tragic case has reignited discussions about employee welfare in high-pressure industries, with experts stressing the urgent need for airlines to prioritise crew health over operational demands — before another life is lost.