5 Shocking Truths About EVA Air Flight Attendants: The Controversies, The Uniforms, And The Tragic Policy Change

The iconic "Hello Kitty" themed flights and impeccable service of EVA Air are often overshadowed by a series of recent, deeply troubling controversies involving their flight attendants, or 'cabin crew'. As of December 2025, the conversation surrounding EVA Air has dramatically shifted from five-star service to intense scrutiny over labor practices, sick leave policies, and workplace gender equality. The catalyst for this change was a tragic and widely publicized event that forced the Taiwanese airline to confront its internal management systems and apologize publicly for a shocking lack of compassion.

This in-depth report uses the latest information and updates to expose the biggest stories currently impacting EVA Air's cabin crew, from a flight attendant's death that sparked national outrage to the ongoing push for modern, gender-neutral uniforms. We will detail the policy changes that have been implemented as a direct result of these events, providing a fresh and unique perspective on one of Asia's most recognizable airlines.

The Tragic Case of Flight Attendant Sun: A Timeline of Controversy and Policy Change

The biggest and most recent scandal to rock EVA Air centers on the tragic death of a 34-year-old flight attendant, identified by her surname, Ms. Sun (孫). Her case has become a flashpoint for labor rights and workplace culture in Taiwan.

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Biography and Tragic Incident Timeline

• Name: Ms. Sun (Surname)
• Age: 34 years old
• Role: EVA Air Flight Attendant / Cabin Crew Member
• Date of Incident: September 2025 (Fell ill during flight)
• Route: A long-haul return flight from Milan, Italy, to Taoyuan, Taiwan.
• Date of Death: October 10, 2025 (Died shortly after returning from the flight).

The controversy stems from allegations that Ms. Sun reported feeling unwell during the long-haul flight but was allegedly pressured by a supervisor to continue working. Reports indicated that her requests for rest and medical assistance were ignored by a cabin crew manager.

The Shocking Aftermath and Public Backlash

Upon arrival in Taiwan, Ms. Sun was reportedly denied a wheelchair or ambulance, having to seek medical attention on her own. She died shortly after. The public outrage intensified when it was revealed that, in the days following her death, an EVA Air employee requested sick leave paperwork from the deceased flight attendant.

This insensitive request, made during her funeral, triggered a massive firestorm of criticism across social media and the national media, leading to protests and demands for accountability from the Taoyuan Flight Attendant Union.

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EVA Air's Response and Policy Reform

Faced with severe backlash, EVA Air issued a public apology to Ms. Sun’s family. More importantly, the incident prompted the airline to promise significant changes to its internal policies.

The key policy changes include:

• Easing Sick Leave Penalties: The airline agreed to curb the harsh penalties previously given to cabin crew for taking sick leave.
• Employee Evaluation System: A review and promised improvement of the employee evaluation system to prevent management from ignoring legitimate health concerns.
• Investigation: The Ministry of Labor launched an investigation into the airline's labor practices following the incident.

The Fight for Gender-Neutral Uniforms and Workplace Equality

Beyond the tragic sick leave controversy, EVA Air is also navigating a major social shift concerning its cabin crew attire and gender policies. The push for modernization is focused on offering non-gendered uniform options.

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The current uniform policy has long mandated that female flight attendants wear skirts. This traditional requirement is now being challenged by staff who are advocating for the option to wear trousers.

The Global Trend and Local Pressure

Many international airlines have already adopted gender-neutral or flexible uniform policies, allowing female cabin crew members to choose trousers for comfort and practicality. The pressure on EVA Air, and other Taiwanese carriers, to follow suit is growing, driven by a global movement for workplace equality and comfort.

This debate highlights a broader conversation about professional standards versus personal choice and physical comfort, especially on long-haul flights where mobility and warmth are crucial. The outcome of this push will mark a significant step forward in EVA Air's commitment to modern workplace standards.

The Distinctive EVA Air Uniforms and Rank System

EVA Air's uniforms, which were last updated, remain a key part of their brand identity. The design features a distinctive color-coding system that immediately identifies the rank of the cabin crew member.

Decoding the Cabin Crew Ranks

The uniform's collar color is the primary indicator of a crew member's seniority and role on the flight:

• Red Collars: Identify the most senior rank, the Chief Pursers.
• Pink Collars: Represent the Deputy Pursers, the second-highest rank.
• Light Green Collars: Signify the general Flight Attendants, the most common crew member role.

This clear distinction is critical for in-flight operational management and is a traditional feature of the EVA Air service structure. The uniform's overall aesthetic is a blend of professional elegance and the distinctive corporate colors of the airline.

EVA Air's Labor Relations and The No-Strike Clause

Labor relations at EVA Air have historically been contentious, marked by a major 17-day strike that was one of the largest and longest in Taiwan's aviation history. However, the current situation offers a period of stability, at least contractually.

The airline's current labor contract with the Taoyuan Flight Attendant Union contains a crucial 'no-dispute-activities' clause.

• No-Strike Agreement: The contract explicitly states that "No dispute activities (including but not limited to strikes and sabotage) will be initiated during the contract."
• Contract End Date: This no-strike clause is valid until March 31, 2025.

This means that while the recent controversies over sick leave and management practices have created internal tension and public scrutiny, the cabin crew is legally bound from initiating a large-scale strike until the contract expires in early 2025. This context is vital for understanding the current environment of labor rights advocacy within the airline.

The Future of EVA Air Cabin Crew: A Focus on Wellbeing

The events surrounding the passing of Ms. Sun have irrevocably changed the conversation around working conditions for EVA Air flight attendants. The backlash served as a major wake-up call, prompting the airline to publicly commit to a more humane and supportive work environment. The focus is now on employee wellbeing, particularly for those working demanding international and long-haul flight schedules.

The entities involved—EVA Air management, the Taoyuan Flight Attendant Union, and the Taiwanese Ministry of Labor—are now under intense pressure to ensure that the promised reforms regarding sick leave and employee support are fully implemented. The ongoing push for non-gendered uniforms further signals a shift toward a modern, inclusive, and employee-centric workplace, moving beyond traditional, rigid corporate policies. The world is watching to see if EVA Air can truly transform its internal culture to match its reputation for service excellence.