SWISS flight diverts to Kazakhstan after medical emergency involving co-pilot

A SWISS flight from Seoul to Zurich with more than 240 passengers and crew made an unscheduled landing in Kazakhstan after the co-pilot suffered a medical emergency, according to the airline.

Flight LX123, an Airbus A350 carrying 227 passengers and 14 crew members, diverted to Almaty on Wednesday while traveling from South Korea to Switzerland. SWISS said the decision was made so the co-pilot could receive medical care as quickly as possible.

Three doctors were on board and provided medical assistance during the flight, according to the airline. The crew decided to land in Almaty based in part on their recommendation.

Almaty airport said medical personnel were waiting for the aircraft when it landed. The co-pilot was given first aid at the airport before being transferred to a city ambulance crew and taken to a local hospital for examination and treatment.

SWISS said the co-pilot was accompanied to the hospital by another crew member. The airline did not provide details about the pilot’s condition.

The passengers and remaining crew members were accommodated in hotels in Almaty.

“Once the additional pilot has arrived and the crew has completed the legally required rest period, the flight will continue to Zurich,” SWISS said.

The airline said the flight is expected to leave Almaty at 1:45 a.m. local time overnight Thursday into Friday, with arrival in Zurich scheduled for 6:30 a.m. Friday.