Flight Attendant’s Sudden Death Triggers Outcry
The controversy began when a 34-year-old EVA Air flight attendant, identified by her surname Sun, died on October 10 after falling severely ill during a long-haul flight from Milan to Taoyuan. According to local reports, she began feeling unwell on September 24 and received treatment at a clinic upon landing. Her health deteriorated rapidly over the following days, leading to her hospitalization on September 26 and eventual transfer to another hospital on October 8. She passed away two days later.
Insensitive Request Sparks Backlash
Shortly after her death, a company representative allegedly sent a message to Sun’s phone requesting documentation for her sick leave. Her family, shocked and grieving, said they were compelled to respond by sending a copy of her death certificate. The incident came to light after one of her colleagues shared the details online, accusing EVA Air of systemic negligence and indifference toward crew welfare.
EVA Air Issues Public Apology
Facing public outrage, EVA Air issued a statement expressing its “deepest condolences” and “sincere apologies” to the deceased’s family. The airline clarified that the message had been sent by an employee “insufficiently familiar with their work duties.” EVA Air President Sun Chia-Ming later held a press conference acknowledging the incident as a grave mistake, calling it “a pain in our hearts forever.”
Allegations of Overwork and Poor Health Practices
The tragedy has reignited concerns about overwork in Taiwan’s aviation sector. Anonymous colleagues claimed that flight attendants often face pressure to avoid taking medical leave, even when unwell. “This was not just a mistake but the outcome of long-term disregard for crew members’ health,” wrote one EVA Air employee on social media, leading to an online campaign demanding stricter labor protections.
Labor activists have urged Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor to review airline health protocols and ensure that cabin crew receive adequate medical support. The Ministry has confirmed that it will collaborate with EVA Air to assess whether the deceased attendant was denied her rightful leave or medical assistance.
Public and Government Response
The Taiwanese public has responded with anger and empathy, with social media platforms flooded by messages calling for accountability. Several labor unions have since announced plans to hold vigils and discussions on workplace stress in the airline industry.
In a statement, EVA Air reaffirmed its commitment to “upholding employee dignity and improving internal procedures.” The airline said it would provide psychological counseling to affected colleagues and review all internal communication protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
Industry-Wide Reflection
This incident has highlighted ongoing tensions between corporate discipline and employee welfare in Taiwan’s competitive airline market. Labor experts say the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for companies to prioritize compassion over compliance in HR management.
As investigations continue, the story of flight attendant Sun has become a national symbol of the urgent need for empathy, accountability, and reform in the country’s aviation workforce.