EVA Air flight attendant dies after being forced to continue working despite illness

A flight attendant with Taiwan’s EVA Air died after falling ill on a Milan–Taipei flight but was pressured to continue her duties, Focus Taiwan reported.

The incident, which occurred in late September, was revealed in a joint statement by the Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union and EVA Airways’ corporate union.

Investigators said the chief purser ignored the attendant’s complaints, failed to contact Medlink — the service advising crews in medical emergencies — and insisted she resume work. After landing in Taipei, the purser refused to allow her the use of a wheelchair or call an ambulance. She later died in hospital.

Unions described the case as the result of “systemic neglect” of crew health and urged EVA Air management to reform practices that discourage staff from taking sick leave.