🎧
Listen to this article
A passenger aboard a Kenya Airways flight traveling from Nairobi to Lagos tragically passed away after becoming unresponsive shortly before the aircraft touched down.
Kenya Airways officially confirmed the incident through a statement released by its Corporate Communications Department on Wednesday.
The airline stated that the medical emergency unfolded at approximately 9:20 pm Nigerian time on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
According to the airline, “Kenya Airways PLC (‘KQ’) confirms that on Tuesday, 06 October 2026, our flight from Nairobi to Lagos experienced a medical emergency on board at around 21:20 hrs local Nigerian time.”
The company added, “One of our passengers was found to be unresponsive approximately 20 minutes before landing in Lagos.”
Flight crew members immediately administered first aid following their standard training procedures to assist the distressed traveler.
The aircraft successfully landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 9:41 pm, where emergency medical personnel were already stationed.
Kenya Airways noted, “Upon landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 21:41 hrs, the aircraft was met by medical personnel, and upon further examination, the medical personnel confirmed that the passenger had passed away.”
Expressing deep regret over the situation, the airline stated, “We convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and apologise for any inconvenience this incident may have caused.”
The carrier also emphasized that it is maintaining privacy standards and working closely with the deceased individual’s family, local authorities, and aviation regulators.
Reports emerged indicating that the passenger suffered complications on the return trip after being denied entry into Madagascar by customs authorities.
Following the plane’s arrival, the body was transported to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital mortuary in Ikeja as investigations continue.
Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, confirmed that law enforcement agencies have taken over the inquiry.
He explained that the individual was picked up from Madagascar after being declared inadmissible, and standard protocol requires the transporting airline to bring them back.
Muhammed Adeola, the spokesperson for the Airport Police Command, corroborated the details and noted that statements have been recorded from the flight captain and cabin crew.
Adeola stated, “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.”
No Comments