# In-flight medical emergencies and fainting

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/in-flight-medical-emergencies-and-fainting
> Updated: 2026-10-05T14:46:32.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Research indicates that fainting or near-fainting episodes, known as syncope or presyncope, account for approximately 33% to 37.4% of in-flight medical emergencies. Contributing factors include dehydration, low blood sugar, low cabin pressure, and nutritional deficiencies.

In a specific instance on an Avianca flight in Colombia, a passenger lost consciousness due to low blood pressure and low glucose levels. Following an examination by an onboard physician, it was discovered that the passenger had recently injected a peptide purchased online for weight loss, which was found in a syringe among her belongings.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-05: Avianca passenger requires medical aid after fainting mid-flight

A passenger on an Avianca flight in Colombia fainted after using peptides purchased online for weight loss, requiring medical assistance from a doctor on board.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/avianca-passenger-requires-medical-aid-after-fainting-mid-flight

### 2026-09-25: In-flight medical emergencies frequently involve fainting episodes

Fainting and near-fainting episodes account for roughly one-third of in-flight medical emergencies, often driven by dehydration, low blood sugar, and lack of nutrition before travel.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/in-flight-medical-emergencies-frequently-involve-fainting-episodes

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Cite as: In-flight medical emergencies and fainting. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/in-flight-medical-emergencies-and-fainting