A medical emergency happens on board a passenger airplane roughly every 12 minutes, or more than 120 times each day, with over four billion passengers traveling by plane each year. But what happens on an airplane during an emergency, and when does an emergency landing occur? After reporting an in-flight incident, a KLM flight KL635 diverts to Glasgow after declaring emergency from Amsterdam to Las Vegas on Saturday, May 24, 2025.

We don’t enjoy hearing, “Do we have a doctor on board?” Unexpected medical situations on the ground or board are sadly prevalent in passenger air travel. They can cause delayed departures, emergency landings, or even require the aircraft to return to the departure airport. With Our Guider learn what to do in an emergency and if you are entitled to compensation if a medical emergency disrupted your flight

KLM flight KL635 diverts to Glasgow after declaring emergency

• Information about the flight: Amsterdam to Las Vegas on KLM flight KL635.
• Incident Time: An emergency was declared at around 1:00 pm.
• Squawk Code 7700: The pilot used the emergency transponder code 7700 to signal a general emergency. This code is used by pilots to quickly alert air traffic control about a serious emergency on board.

Safe Landing and Diversion

• Flight Path: The plane was approaching the Atlantic crossing when the emergency occurred, and it circled back towards Glasgow after flying over the Orkney and Shetland Islands.
• Decline into Glasgow: The aircraft swiftly descended and made a safe landing at Glasgow Airport at around 2:00 pm.

Medical Emergency on board

• Situation Cause: Reports state that the situation was brought on by a passenger’s medical condition.
• Post-Landing Plans: After addressing the problem, the aircraft was scheduled to safely land and then take off again at 2:50 pm.

The transponder code is 7700.

• Explain the Squawk 7700. The 7700 code is a special emergency transponder signal used by pilots in trouble. This might be due to an aircraft fault or a passenger’s medical condition.

Emergency on the plane.

But how do you characterise a medical emergency? As a passenger, may I still seek reimbursement under the Air Passenger Rights Regulation?

Medical crises are defined as any situation involving physical or mental changes in the health of a passenger or crew member that necessitate prompt medical intervention. Both passengers and airlines have a wide range of interpretation options. Whether an airline is required to pay customers for a medical emergency, if a flight is delayed by more than three hours, or even if the trip must be cancelled, is primarily determined by whether a passenger or crew member fell unwell while on the ground or in the air.

“Is there a doctor on board?” 

Those who travel regularly may have already heard about this request. The proportion of elderly travelers who underestimate the stress of air travel is growing.

A KLM flight, KL635, diverts to Glasgow after declaring emergency happens when a passenger or crew member has physical or mental changes that necessitate prompt medical care. In 90% of situations, the passenger’s condition is not critical.

In these circumstances, the cabin staff can give first care because they are frequently educated in first aid. If the patient’s illness is more serious, they will direct him to a doctor on board who is ethically required to help.

Frequent medical crises on board.

1. Passenger in flight

A passenger’s illness or death during a flight is considered an unusual situation since it occurs outside of the airline’s sphere of risk. This implies neither the airline nor the travel operator may be held responsible. In this circumstance, the airline has no control over the outcome of the situation. As a result, it is not required to provide compensation for delays or cancellations.

2. Passenger on the ground.

The airline’s risk sphere begins when the customer has boarded. If a medical emergency arises after this period, the airline is the first point of contact. Even so, the airline cannot predict a passenger’s sickness. As a result, the airline has no control over any aircraft delays and is thus not required to provide compensation in either situation, as unusual circumstances exist.

3. Crew in the air.

The scenario is slightly different for the crew. Employees are employed by the airline. According to case law, employee illness is a commercial risk. As a result, compensation is at least partially accessible in certain situations. The matter of a crew member’s medical emergency in the air has yet to be resolved by the courts. However, it might be inferred that the airline is not required to provide compensation. 

In this scenario, a balance must be established between the crew member’s health and economic interests. In this scenario, physical integrity is the most important consideration. After all, unlike on the ground, the airline cannot be required to supply adequate replacement personnel aboard the aircraft. This would only be achieved with enormous logistical and financial costs. As a result, these are unusual circumstances, and there is no right to compensation.

4. Crew on the ground.

A medical emergency among the ground crew is not legally regarded as an unusual situation. Unlike unanticipated occurrences in the air, the airline is directly responsible for organizing replacement ground staff. The airline must take enough personnel and organizational steps to guarantee an orderly procedure. If, for example, a crew member becomes ill, a replacement should be available swiftly, as the airline must plan for such risks. As a result, compensation is typically needed if a medical emergency causes delays or cancellations, as this is a business risk that cannot be passed on to passengers.

Medical equipment on the airplane is necessary.

The most prevalent consequences during flights are circulatory difficulties with loss of consciousness, followed by respiratory issues and gastrointestinal disorders. As a result, airplanes are legally obligated to carry one first-aid kit per 100 passengers for the treatment of minor medical emergencies, in addition to an onboard first-aid kit.

But catastrophic situations, including death, can happen above the clouds. Sudden cardiac arrest is rare, although it is one of the leading causes of death in aviation.

The main guideline for flying is:

• In addition to oxygen masks, at an altitude of above 9,000 meters, with 30 or more passengers and a flight period of more than 60 minutes, an oxygen device and a so-called “emergency medical kit” must be accessible at each seat.
• Depending on the airline, the airplane emergency kit may include blood pressure monitors, emergency ventilation equipment, and a stethoscope.
• Automatic defibrillators (AEDs) are now also required in the case of cardiac arrest.

KLM flight KL635 diverts to Glasgow after declaring emergency

The captain is responsible for determining whether and when an “emergency landing” is required, taking medical advice and the crew into consideration. This often entails a life-threatening ailment, such as a heart attack, although it can also result in catastrophic injury.

However, medical infrastructure is not always readily available near the nearest airport.

KLM Airlines’ medical call centers assist passengers in selecting an appropriate stopover site and coordinating their on-ground treatment. After landing, the aircraft has precedence in the airspace. Passengers who fall unwell during the journey are often carefully cared for aboard the plane.

Who chooses whether to make an emergency landing if there is an emergency on board?

In the case of a medical emergency on board an aircraft, the captain is largely responsible for deciding whether to make an emergency landing. They determine the severity of the situation based on information provided by the onboard medical professionals and flight crew. In doing so, doctors take into account not only the patient’s health but also the remaining flight time, weather circumstances, and possible alternate airports. The onboard medical evaluation is critical in determining if an emergency landing is warranted. The captain takes the final decision and conveys it to air traffic control and ground personnel.

Step-by-step instructions for dealing with a medical emergency.

A medical emergency aboard an airplane necessitates immediate and coordinated intervention. The following stages give guidance to passengers:

1. Alert the crew.

If you or someone around requires medical assistance, notify the cabin crew immediately. The crew is taught to identify such circumstances and take the necessary steps.

2. Remain calm and cooperative.

Typically, the personnel would approach the concerned passenger and examine their status. Prepare to answer inquiries and deliver information.

3. Support the crew.

If you have prior medical experience, you can volunteer to assist. Many airlines actively seek medical specialists for their passengers.

4. Follow the instructions.

The cabin crew determines what steps are required and can deliver medical equipment or call emergency medical personnel on the ground.

To what extent are the cabin staff medically trained?

Cabin workers have extensive training to address medical situations. This involves recognizing and providing first aid for cardiovascular issues, respiratory infections, and allergic responses. In addition, the crew learns how to communicate with the airline and outside medical services in an emergency.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, even though medical crises during flights are uncommon, they are nevertheless critical situations that call for quick decision-making. Squawk code 7700 is one of the protocols that airlines like KLM flight kl635 diverts to Glasgow after declaring emergency, put in place to guarantee that any in-flight incident is handled effectively. The participation of physicians or on-ground medical services is frequently essential, even though flight crews are prepared to manage basic medical problems. When medical situations cause delays or cancellations, passengers have rights, and airlines must offer assistance, such as rebooking, food, and lodging. But it’s crucial to realize that medical crises in flight are regarded as extraordinary situations, and unless certain requirements are fulfilled, airlines usually aren’t responsible for paying out compensation. Because every second matters under these circumstances, passengers should maintain composure, follow crew instructions, and provide a hand if they can.