TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan labor inspectors launched a workplace safety investigation into EVA Air (長榮航空) Monday (Oct. 13) following a flight attendant's death amid allegations of denied medical assistance. The attendant died Saturday (Oct. 11) after falling ill mid-flight, with crew members accusing the cabin supervisor of neglecting protocols.
The supervisor acknowledged observing the attendant taking medication during the outbound flight and allegedly recommended extended hotel rest for proper recovery. The supervisor admitted failing to contact MedLink, the airline's medical consultation service, but claimed maintaining ongoing concern throughout the attendant's subsequent hospitalization period. During the return flight, the supervisor discussed comprehensive post-flight medical procedures and offered direct financial assistance for mounting medical expenses.
EVA Air expressed formal condolences and launched a comprehensive investigation while maintaining continuous family contact throughout the entire hospitalization period. The airline confirmed receiving tragic news of the attendant's death Saturday and pledged continued family assistance during this difficult time. Chou Sheng-kai (周聖凱), secretary-general of the Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union (桃園市空服員職業工會), said the attendant returned from Milan in late September, was immediately hospitalized upon Taiwan arrival, and tragically died during Taiwan's National Day holiday period.
Chou suggested serious potential workplace bullying concerns if allegations prove true, urging swift, comprehensive EVA Air investigations into the tragic incident. The union sharply criticized the airline for systematically neglecting crew health and allowing punitive leave policies to negatively impact employee evaluations. Social media posts revealed that sick leave, personal leave, and annual leave directly affect performance reviews, promotions, and year-end bonuses, effectively discouraging time-off requests among flight attendants.
