Is there a doctor on board? Mid-air emergencies on the increase

An easyJet flight bound for Tenerife was forced to divert to Paris after a passenger suffered a medical emergency, as figures suggest more people falling ill in the air.

Passengers travelling from Amsterdam to Tenerife on Thursday, November 12, faced an unexpected change of destination when their easyJet flight declared an emergency over France and diverted to Paris Orly.

easyJet U27883 from Amsterdam is declaring an emergency over France https://t.co/Bnv5hghpBu

— AIRLIVE (@airlivenet) November 12, 2026

Flight U27883, operated by an Airbus A320neo, was cruising at around 37,000 feet when the crew declared a general emergency and turned towards the French capital. The aircraft landed at Orly, where it was able to receive assistance. The diversion was subsequently attributed to a medical emergency on board.

The incident is another reminder of the difficulties airlines face when passengers become seriously ill thousands of feet above the ground, where immediate access to hospital treatment is impossible.

A similar incident occurred when a Turkish Airlines flight was diverted to Barcelona after a baby became seriously ill. A Ryanair flight from Manchester to Alicante also diverted to France after a passenger fell ill.

Mid-flight medical emergencies are on the rise

The amount of recent mid-air incidents suggest an alarming increase.

Figures published in 2026 suggest that reported in-flight medical emergencies are becoming more frequent, with airlines and aviation medical specialists recording increases.

South Korea has reported a particularly striking rise. Figures obtained from government and airport authorities show that medical emergencies involving its airlines have climbed steadily over recent years.

According to South Korean news agency Yonhap, the figures reveal:

• 2023: 1,592 in-flight medical emergencies.
• 2024: 1,942 incidents, an increase of around 22 per cent.
• 2025: 2,508 incidents, a further increase of almost 30 per cent.
• January to August 2026: 2,510 incidents, already exceeding the total for the whole of 2025.

More worrying figures show that 16 cases requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) were recorded during the first eight months of 2026, compared with 12 throughout the previous year.

Meanwhile, aviation medical assistance provider MedAire reported a 12.2 per cent increase in in-flight medical cases during 2025, providing further evidence of a growing problem across its airline clients.

What happens when somebody falls ill?

Cabin crew are trained to deal with most medical situations, but they are not in any way doctors. When a passenger becomes seriously ill, flight attendants can provide first aid, assess the situation and use the medical equipment carried aboard commercial aircraft. Airlines can also contact ground-based medical teams, who advise the captain and cabin crew on the appropriate response.

Depending on the circumstances, a doctor or other medically qualified passenger may be asked to assist. If the situation is serious, the captain may decide to divert to the nearest suitable airport.

Medical emergencies can include:

• Heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.
• Strokes and suspected neurological conditions.
• Breathing difficulties and severe allergic reactions.
• Fainting, seizures and loss of consciousness.
• Cardiac arrest requiring CPR and a defibrillator.

A major study published in JAMA Network Open examining 77,790 in-flight medical incidents across 84 airlines found that aircraft diversions occurred in 1.7 per cent of cases. Neurological and cardiovascular problems were the most frequent reasons for changing the aircraft’s destination.

Why are more passengers becoming ill?

An ageing population of air travellers, existing medical conditions and the physical demands of flying are among the possible contributing factors. Aircraft cabins are pressurised, but the air pressure is lower than at sea level. This can affect people with certain medical conditions, while prolonged periods of sitting can also increase the risk of circulatory problems.

However, rising incident figures do not necessarily mean that flying has become more dangerous. More passengers travelling, improved reporting and better access to medical assistance could also explain some of the increase.

For British holidaymakers flying between the UK and Spain, the message is straightforward: airlines have procedures and equipment to deal with medical emergencies, but a serious incident can still mean an unexpected landing, a lengthy delay and an anxious experience for everyone on board. Be patient and prepared, as flying can be an exhausting experience for all.