Passenger Dies After Becoming Unresponsive On Kenya Airways Flight To Lagos

A passenger on a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Lagos has died after reportedly becoming unresponsive shortly before the aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night, with the passenger reportedly becoming unresponsive about 20 minutes before the aircraft was scheduled to land.

Kenya Airways, in a statement on Wednesday, said its crew immediately responded to the medical emergency by administering first aid and following established procedures.

The airline said the aircraft landed in Lagos at 9:41pm and was met by medical personnel, who confirmed that the passenger had died.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority said the police had taken over the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the passenger had reportedly been picked up from Madagascar after customs authorities denied him entry into the country.

According to Achimugu, Kenya Airways was required to return the passenger as the airline that had brought him into the country.

He said the passenger became restless and aggressive during the flight, allegedly attempting to gain access to the cockpit before later trying to open the rear door of the aircraft.

Achimugu said the passenger was restrained, with his hands tied behind his back, to prevent further disruption and protect other passengers and crew.

“When he got into the aircraft, he became restless and aggressive inside the aircraft, wanted to enter the cockpit and later wanted to open the rear door, but was later tied down.

“His hands were tied to his back to ensure that he stopped the troubles,” he said.

He said the passenger was declared dead after the aircraft landed in Lagos.

“But when he got to Nigeria, he was declared dead on arrival. I don’t want to preempt the police investigation, but they have taken it over for now,” Achimugu said.

He added that the deceased’s family could request an autopsy as investigations continue.

The Airport Command of the Nigeria Police Force also confirmed the incident, saying the deceased’s body had been deposited at a morgue in Ikeja.

The command’s spokesperson, Muhammed Adeola, said police had taken statements from members of the flight crew, including the captain.

“Yes, it’s true, and investigations have commenced. It’s an issue of an inadmissible passenger, and the said complications arose on their way back. He was unable to breathe, and medical officers were alerted before the aircraft landed. However, upon landing, he was confirmed to have died.

“His body is at a morgue in Ikeja for further investigation.”

Kenya Airways expressed condolences to the passenger’s family and friends, saying it was working with the family, local authorities and aviation regulators.

The airline said it was respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved while providing necessary support to the family as investigations continue.