AMSTERDAM–LOS ANGELES — Sunday, October 5, 2025. KLM Flight 601 from Amsterdam to Los Angeles made an emergency diversion to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, after a passenger was found unresponsive midflight. The Boeing 787-10 landed at Yellowknife around 9:40–9:45 a.m. local time, where first responders met the aircraft and transported the passenger to hospital. A 34-year-old woman was later pronounced dead. The RCMP says the death is under investigation with the NWT Coroner’s Service.
KLM 601 had been cruising en route to Los Angeles when the crew requested the diversion. Local outlet Cabin Radio reported emergency personnel boarding on arrival; ATC audio referenced approximately 304 people aboard. There were no indications of issues with the aircraft itself. The jet is a KLM Boeing 787-10; tracking data and subsequent reports list the registration as PH-BKG.
After the medical response on the ground, the same aircraft departed Yellowknife later that afternoon and continued to Los Angeles, landing around 8:30 p.m. local time in California. Flight-history pages for PH-BKG and KL601 show the sequence AMS → YZF and then YZF → LAX on October 5.
What we know so far
- Flight: KLM 601 (AMS → LAX). Aircraft: Boeing 787-10, reg: PH-BKG.
- Diversion: Landed Yellowknife ~9:40–9:45 a.m. MT on Oct 5.
- Passenger status: Woman, 34, pronounced dead at hospital; RCMP and the Coroner’s Service investigating.
- Continuation: Aircraft departed YZF the same afternoon and arrived LAX that evening.
Why Yellowknife?
Yellowknife (YZF) sits beneath common great-circle tracks between Europe and the U.S. West Coast. It has a 7,503-ft main runway and on-airport fire and rescue, making it a practical diversion field for long-haul jets in the Canadian North when time to medical care matters most.
Official statements
Authorities have not released further details about the passenger. The RCMP says lifesaving efforts were attempted by medical professionals on board and by first responders on the ground. The investigation continues in partnership with the NWT Coroner’s Service. We’ll update if KLM issues a statement or if the coroner provides findings.
Our thoughts are with the passenger’s loved ones, the crew, and everyone on board who witnessed a very difficult situation.
AviationCircle context
Medical events are the leading cause of unscheduled diversions on long-haul flights. Crews consult medical kits, onboard volunteers, and ground-based medical control, then aim for the nearest suitable airport with the right runway length and emergency care. In the North, that often means places like Yellowknife or Iqaluit that regularly handle medevacs and diversions.