Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Indian Passenger Dies After Reported Asthma Attack on Flight
A 58-year-old man became very unwell on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney.
Reports said he may have had an asthma attack.
An asthma attack can make the breathing tubes narrow, making it hard to breathe.
Other passengers and the crew tried to help him.
Sadly, he could not be revived.
If someone has trouble breathing on a plane, they should tell the cabin crew right away.
They should sit upright and use their prescribed reliever inhaler as directed.
They should not wait if the inhaler is not helping or if they do not have one.
People with asthma should keep their medicine and action plan where they can reach them quickly.
A 58-year-old Indian man died after reportedly suffering an asthma attack on a Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney.
Flight crew and fellow passengers attempted first aid, but the passenger could not be revived.
The flight reportedly landed at Sydney Airport at about 7:43 PM local time.
New South Wales Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious and expected no further police action.
Health guidance advises alerting crew immediately, sitting upright, using a prescribed reliever inhaler, and keeping asthma medication accessible.
- Who
- A 58-year-old Indian man, assisted by flight crew and fellow passengers.
- What
- The passenger reportedly suffered an in-flight asthma attack, could not be revived, and died.
- When
- During an approximately eight-hour flight; the article reports a landing at about 7:43 PM local time and a police call at approximately 5:50 PM, without reconciling the timing.
- Where
- On a Malaysia Airlines flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney, arriving at Sydney Airport.
- Why
- The reported cause was an asthma-related medical emergency; New South Wales Police said the death was not suspicious.
- Passenger
- 58-year-old Indian man
- Airline
- Malaysia Airlines
- Route
- Kuala Lumpur to Sydney
- Flight duration
- Approximately eight hours
- Reported landing
- Sydney Airport at around 7:43 PM local time
- Police assessment
- Death was not considered suspicious; no further police action was anticipated
- Recommended response
- Alert cabin crew immediately, sit upright, and use a prescribed reliever inhaler according to the asthma action plan