Taiwan's EVA Air Apologises For Asking Sick Leave Paperwork From Deceased Flight Attendant

Last Updated:October 19, 2025, 18:28 IST

EVA Air said the message had been sent by mistake by an employee who was not fully familiar with the correct procedures

The flight attendant, a 34-year-old woman surnamed Sun, became unwell during a flight from Milan to Taoyuan on September 24. (AFP file photo)

Taiwanese airline EVA Air has come under criticism after it reportedly asked a deceased employee to provide sick leave documents. Just days after her death, the airline sent a text message to her phone requesting proof that she had applied for leave while in hospital.

The flight attendant, a 34-year-old woman surnamed Sun, became unwell during a flight from Milan to Taoyuan on September 24. According to Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA), her manager allegedly ignored her worsening condition and failed to arrange medical assistance while the plane was still on the ground.

Sun sought medical treatment at a clinic in Italy on September 25, before returning to Taiwan and being admitted to hospital the following day. Her condition continued to worsen, and on October 8 she was transferred to another hospital, where she died two days later, on October 10.

Shockingly, on the day of her funeral, Sun’s mobile phone received a text message from an EVA Air representative, asking for her to submit leave documents for the time she had been hospitalised. The message, which has since gone viral, drew strong criticism online and from the public.

In a statement, EVA Air said the message had been sent by mistake by an employee who was not fully familiar with the correct procedures. The airline expressed its “deepest apologies" for the distress caused to Sun’s family.

At a press conference, EVA Air President Sun Chia-Ming said, “Since the occurrence of this incident our company has faced a lot of criticism and questions."

“We humbly accept them… The departure of Ms Sun is the pain in our hearts forever… We will carry out the investigation [into her death] with the most responsible attitude," Chia-Ming added.

Flight records show Sun had been flying an average of 75 hours per month, which is within Taiwan’s legal limit. However, some have raised concerns about the airline’s work culture. The Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union accused the airline of lacking empathy and called for better protection of cabin crew health and rights.

EVA Air has faced past penalties for overworking staff. The cause of Sun’s death has not yet been officially confirmed.

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