SYDNEY- A Qantas (QF) service from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Perth Airport (PER) diverted to Sydney Airport (SYD) after a passenger suffered a medical emergency onboard on December 30, 2025.
Authorities confirmed the passenger, a woman in her 60s, could not be revived despite urgent assistance during the diversion of flight QF112.
Qantas Auckland to Perth Flight Diverted
The aircraft was operating the scheduled Auckland to Perth route on Tuesday when the crew reported a medical incident mid-flight. Emergency services were alerted ahead of arrival, and the aircraft landed in Sydney so that medical teams could board the plane immediately.
New South Wales Police later confirmed that the passenger died despite efforts to save her. The airline reported that crew members and medical support personnel assisted the flight before the aircraft reached Sydney.
Emergency services were positioned at Sydney International Airport shortly after noon local time. Once the aircraft arrived, paramedics attended to the passenger. Following the confirmation of the fatality, police completed the required formal procedures before the aircraft was cleared to continue its journey.
Qantas issued a statement expressing condolences to the passenger’s family and loved ones. The airline confirmed that the safety and well-being of passengers remained the priority during the incident and thanked customers for their patience while the diversion and response were managed, Stuff reported.
After the necessary checks and clearances were completed, the aircraft departed Sydney and continued to Perth later in the day. Passengers were advised of the situation, and onward travel arrangements resumed as scheduled.
The flight QF112 was operated by a 14-year-old Airbus A330-200, registered as VH-EBS.
Similar Incident
A Lufthansa (LH) flight from Munich (MUC) to Beijing (PEK) diverted to Almaty International Airport (ALA) after a passenger became critically unwell on board.
Medical responders met the aircraft on arrival, but the passenger was later confirmed deceased despite immediate attention. The incident occurred during Lufthansa flight LH722 on December 26, 2025.
Diversion Following In-Flight Medical Emergency
The passenger lost consciousness mid-flight, which led the crew to request an emergency diversion to Almaty International Airport (ALA). Airport medical services and local ambulance teams met the aircraft upon landing. Despite rapid access to on-ground care, medical personnel confirmed the death of the passenger shortly after arrival.
The aircraft was refuelled following the diversion, and Lufthansa later continued the service to Beijing (PEK). The flight arrived more than two hours behind schedule. Authorities reported no further operational disruptions once the aircraft resumed its journey.
Flight crews are trained to respond quickly to medical emergencies. In this case, the diversion ensured the passenger received the earliest available external medical support. The Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan confirmed the event through its press service.
Lufthansa operated flight LH722 with an Airbus A350 registered as D-AIXO. The aircraft is approximately 6.5 years old and is part of the airline’s long-haul fleet.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
