A passenger on a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Lagos died on board after becoming unresponsive about 20 minutes before the aircraft landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Tuesday. The airline confirmed the incident in a statement, saying the medical emergency occurred at 9:20 p.m. Nigerian time. The crew administered first aid and followed emergency procedures before landing at 9:41 p.m.
Kenya Airways said it was providing support to the passenger's family and friends, in coordination with local authorities and aviation regulators. The airline did not disclose the passenger's identity or the cause of death, citing respect for the privacy and dignity of those involved. The incident is under investigation, with the police taking over the case.
According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the passenger had been picked up in Madagascar after authorities denied him entry and was being returned to Nigeria by Kenya Airways. The passenger reportedly became restless and aggressive during the return flight, attempting to access the cockpit and open the rear door.
The passenger was restrained by crew members, who tied his hands behind his back to prevent further trouble. NCAA's Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the country manager of Kenya Airways briefed him on the incident, revealing that the passenger's behavior led to the crew's intervention.
The police have commenced an investigation into the incident, with the spokesperson for the Airport Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Muhammed Adeola, confirming that an "inadmissible passenger" was involved. Complications arose during the return flight, and the passenger became unable to breathe before medical personnel were alerted.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at a morgue in Ikeja, and the police have taken statements from the flight crew, including the captain. The investigation is ongoing, and the deceased's family may request an autopsy as the probe progresses.
This incident is not the first reported case of a passenger dying on an international flight bound for Lagos. In 2019, a 54-year-old passenger on a Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Lagos was found unresponsive and confirmed dead upon arrival. Medical emergencies have also led to international flights returning to Lagos, highlighting the importance of in-flight medical care.
Key points
- The passenger died on board a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Lagos after becoming unresponsive 20 minutes before landing.
- The incident is under investigation, with the police taking over the case and the NCAA providing support.
- This is not the first reported case of a passenger dying on an international flight bound for Lagos.
