EVA Air Apologizes After Requesting Sick Leave Documents From Deceased Flight Attendant

Representative image.

Taiwanese carrier EVA Air has issued a formal apology after requesting sick leave documentation from a deceased flight attendant, according to BBC reports. The incident generated significant backlash on local social media platforms, with cabin crew union representatives calling for immediate reforms to the airline's leave policies.

The 34-year-old flight attendant, identified only by her surname Sun, passed away on October 10 following a medical emergency that began during a flight from Milan to Taoyuan. Reports indicate that Sun initially fell ill on September 24 while on duty and was hospitalized immediately upon landing.

Despite her deteriorating health condition, administrative staff still requested her to submit proof for her sick leave application even after her death. Several social media users, who claimed to be her colleagues, alleged that Sun had been pressured to maintain her work schedule despite reporting illness. Taiwan's Central News Agency (CNA) noted that her flight records for the previous six months showed an average of 75 flying hours monthly, which falls within regulatory requirements.

The family reported that on the day of Sun's funeral, a company representative sent a message to her phone regarding documentation for sick leave taken in September. Her relatives were compelled to respond by providing a copy of her death certificate.

In response, EVA Air acknowledged that the request for sick leave documentation was an employee error and stated they were "conducting a thorough review" of the situation. "The health and safety of our employees and passengers are our highest priorities," the airline stated in their official response.

During a press conference, EVA Air President Sun Chia-Ming personally extended apologies to Sun's family. "The departure of Ms Sun is the pain in our hearts forever," he expressed.

"We will carry out the investigation [into her death] with the most responsible attitude."

The incident has raised significant concerns regarding EVA Air's workplace culture, with allegations of employee overwork and discouragement of legitimate sick leave requests. Records show that EVA Air has been penalized seven times since 2013 for staff overtime violations.