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Taiwanese carrier EVA Air has issued a public apology after a controversy erupted over its handling of a tragic employee death. The airline reportedly asked for sick leave documentation from one of its flight attendants, after she had already passed away.

According to The Independent and Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA), the 34-year-old flight attendant, identified by her surname Sun, fell ill during a long-haul flight from Milan to Taoyuan on September 24. Despite seeking treatment at a local clinic after landing, her condition worsened over the following days. She was admitted to Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital on September 26 and later transferred to China Medical University Hospital in Taichung on October 8. Two days later, on October 10, she died.

However, just days after her death, a representative from EVA Air reportedly sent a message to her phone requesting proof of her sick leave. The family, stunned by the insensitivity, said they were compelled to send a copy of her death certificate to the airline. The revelation sparked widespread outrage on Taiwanese social media platforms, where users condemned the airline’s lack of compassion and questioned its internal communication practices.

Airline Apologises After Public Uproar

Facing mounting criticism, EVA Air issued a statement expressing “deep sadness” over Sun’s death and extended its “deepest apologies” to her family. The company explained that the document request had been made by an employee who was “insufficiently familiar with their work duties.”

EVA Air President Sun Chia-Ming addressed the media on Friday, saying, “The departure of Ms Sun is the pain in our hearts forever. We will investigate with the most responsible attitude.” He also vowed that the airline would review its procedures and ensure such an incident never occurs again.

Allegations of Overwork Surface

The controversy intensified after a colleague of the deceased shared a post online, alleging that EVA Air’s cabin crew members were often overworked and discouraged from taking medical leave. “This was not some regrettable coincidence, but the result of systemic and long-term indifference to crew members’ health,” the anonymous post read.

Taiwan’s Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union echoed those concerns, saying the incident exposed a deeper problem within the airline industry, a culture that prioritises operations over employee wellbeing.

In response to the growing public anger, EVA Air and Taiwan’s Ministry of Labour have launched a joint investigation into whether Sun was denied proper medical support or pressured to continue working despite her condition.

Outrage Over Overtime Violations

Flight records revealed that Sun had flown an average of 75 hours per month in the past six months — within the legal limit, but the focus has now shifted to whether EVA Air provided sufficient medical and emotional support for its employees.

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Since 2013, the airline has reportedly faced seven fines, mostly linked to staff overtime violations. The new probe will determine whether systemic failures contributed to Sun’s death or the insensitive handling of her case afterward.

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EVA Air, known globally for its service standards and international routes, is now facing a major image crisis at home. Public opinion in Taiwan remains unforgiving, with many calling for stronger labour protections and accountability for corporate negligence.

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