Turkish Airlines Flight TK80 from San Francisco to Istanbul Forced to Divert and Makes Emergency Landing at Copenhagen After Mid-Flight Medical Issue, New Update is Here

Published on December 14, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

In a dramatic turn of events, Turkish Airlines flight TK80, originally flying from San Francisco to Istanbul, was forced to divert to Copenhagen due to an urgent medical emergency on board. The Airbus A350-941, registered TC-LGJ, made an unexpected and unscheduled stop at Copenhagen Airport on Saturday, December 13, 2025, while en route to Istanbul. This mid-flight diversion has drawn attention to the importance of swift decision-making and the high level of preparedness of airline crews in handling medical emergencies at 39,000 feet. As the flight landed at Copenhagen Airport, the crew’s quick actions ensured the safety of the passengers and the aircraft’s continued journey. The flight was originally set to depart San Francisco on Friday, December 12, at 18:43 PST, before the mid-air emergency occurred. Here’s an in-depth look at what happened on board and how Turkish Airlines handled the situation.

The Medical Emergency That Led to the Flight Diversion
At the heart of the decision to divert flight TK80 was a medical emergency involving a passenger onboard the Airbus A350. While cruising at 39,000 feet, the crew received word of a passenger in critical condition, prompting an immediate decision to land at the nearest suitable airport. Turkish Airlines pilots and crew are trained to act swiftly in such situations, prioritising passenger safety and health above all else. In this case, Copenhagen was selected as the most practical location for an emergency landing, as it allowed for rapid medical attention to be administered. The decision was not taken lightly, and the crew worked closely with air traffic control to ensure the safety of all on board. Upon landing at Copenhagen Airport at 14:09 local time, the emergency services were ready to provide care, and the passenger was swiftly attended to.

How the Emergency Landing Affected the Flight Schedule
Following the medical emergency, flight TK80’s diversion to Copenhagen delayed the flight’s arrival in Istanbul by several hours. The plane safely landed at Copenhagen Airport at 14:09 local time on Saturday, December 13. After disembarking the affected passenger and ensuring that medical assistance was provided, the aircraft underwent necessary checks to continue the journey. The ground crew worked efficiently to prepare the aircraft for the next leg of the journey, and the flight was expected to resume at around 16:00 local time. Despite the significant interruption, the airline’s quick response ensured that the delay was kept to a minimum, and passengers were informed about the situation. This prompt action demonstrates the critical role of airline staff in maintaining passenger safety, even during unexpected circumstances.

The Role of Turkish Airlines in Ensuring Passenger Safety
Turkish Airlines has built a strong reputation for its commitment to passenger safety, and this diversion is just one example of how the airline prioritises its passengers’ well-being. Medical emergencies on flights are not uncommon, but they require careful handling to ensure that all passengers are safe and that the flight can continue with minimal disruption. The crew aboard flight TK80 acted swiftly and professionally, ensuring that the affected passenger received the medical attention they needed. The airline’s prompt decision to divert to Copenhagen, a location with the necessary medical facilities and infrastructure, underscores Turkish Airlines’ dedication to providing world-class service even in challenging situations. This event also highlights the importance of airline training in handling medical emergencies, which can range from serious to life-threatening situations.

Copenhagen Airport’s Role in the Emergency Landing
Copenhagen Airport played a key role in ensuring the successful handling of the medical emergency. Once flight TK80 landed, emergency services were immediately on standby, prepared to offer care to the passenger in distress. Copenhagen Airport’s ability to facilitate such an emergency situation is a testament to its high standards of safety and preparedness. Airports around the world are equipped to handle in-flight emergencies, and Copenhagen is no exception. Its strategic location in Northern Europe makes it a critical hub for flights travelling across the Atlantic, and this emergency landing further solidified its reputation as an efficient and capable airport. The swift response from airport staff and medical teams ensured the smooth transition from air to ground care for the affected passenger.

Passenger Experience: What Happened on Board After the Diversion?
For the remaining passengers aboard Turkish Airlines flight TK80, the diversion to Copenhagen was certainly unexpected. However, Turkish Airlines ensured that passengers were kept well-informed throughout the process. After the aircraft landed at Copenhagen Airport, the passengers remained on board while medical services attended to the individual in need of urgent care. Once the situation was resolved and the medical team cleared the passenger, the aircraft was prepared for takeoff once more. Though the diversion caused a significant delay, passengers were assured that their safety was the priority. The crew’s communication throughout the event ensured that everyone understood the reason behind the unexpected stop, and the majority of passengers likely appreciated the airline’s transparency during such a critical situation. The flight was expected to resume its journey to Istanbul after a brief layover, minimizing the inconvenience to passengers.

How Flight Diversions Affect Long-Haul Travel
Flight diversions like the one experienced on TK80 are not uncommon, but they do have a considerable impact on long-haul travel. Passengers can experience delays, disruption to their travel plans, and often additional stress when their flight is rerouted unexpectedly. However, these diversions are a necessary part of ensuring passenger safety. Medical emergencies, in particular, can occur at any time during a flight, and the crew must be prepared to act quickly. While the diversion in this instance added hours to the flight schedule, the airline’s handling of the situation ensured that the passenger’s well-being was addressed while keeping the inconvenience for other passengers to a minimum. For travellers, this serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of long-haul flights and the importance of airline preparedness when it comes to emergency situations.

The Importance of Quick and Effective Decision-Making in Aviation
The ability of flight crews to make quick and effective decisions in emergency situations is crucial to ensuring the safety of passengers. In the case of Turkish Airlines flight TK80, the crew’s rapid response to the medical emergency and subsequent decision to divert to Copenhagen highlights the importance of professional training and clear communication. Flight crews undergo extensive training to handle medical emergencies, and this event shows how critical such preparedness is to the safety and comfort of passengers. The prompt actions of the Turkish Airlines crew, coupled with the support of Copenhagen Airport’s emergency services, ensured that the situation was handled with minimal disruption to the flight. This case serves as an important reminder of the complexities involved in aviation safety and the level of skill required from airline professionals.

Conclusion: Turkish Airlines’ Quick Response Saved the Day
Turkish Airlines flight TK80’s diversion to Copenhagen highlights the critical role of airline crew and airport staff in handling medical emergencies during flights. Although the diversion caused delays, the airline’s quick and effective response ensured that the passenger received the necessary medical attention, and the flight resumed as soon as possible. This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of long-haul flights and the importance of well-trained staff who can make fast decisions in emergency situations. Passengers aboard TK80 were reminded of the human side of air travel, where the health and safety of everyone on board is always the top priority. Turkish Airlines’ handling of this emergency ensures that passengers can continue to trust the airline to provide safe and reliable service, even in the most unforeseen circumstances.