Kenya Airways Confirms Death of Passenger Moments Before Landing

Kenya Airways has confirmed that a passenger died following a medical emergency aboard one of its flights from Nairobi to Lagos, Nigeria.

In a statement on  Wednesday, October 7, the national carrier said the incident occurred on Tuesday, October 6, as the aircraft approached Lagos.

According to the airline, a passenger became unresponsive at approximately 9:20 p.m. local Nigerian time, about 20 minutes before the flight landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

“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. One of our passengers was found to be unresponsive approximately 20 minutes before landing in Lagos,” stated Kenya Airways.

Upon landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 9:41 p.m., the aircraft was met by medical personnel who boarded the plane to attend to the passenger.

However, after further examination, the medical team confirmed that the passenger had passed away.

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Kenya Airways conveyed its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, saying it deeply regretted the loss and any inconvenience caused by the incident.

“We convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and apologize for any inconvenience this incident may have caused. We uphold and respect the privacy and dignity of all involved,” the airline said.

The carrier added that it is working closely with the deceased passenger’s family, local authorities and aviation regulators to provide the necessary support and facilitate the required processes following the incident.

Previous In-Flight Medical Emergency

The Lagos incident is not the first time Kenya Airways has reported a passenger death following a medical emergency during a flight.

In April 2025, an elderly passenger died aboard Kenya Airways flight KQ003 from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Nairobi after suffering a medical emergency while the aircraft was en route to Kenya.

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According to the airline, the passenger collapsed during the flight, prompting the crew to activate emergency protocols with the assistance of three medical professionals who volunteered on board.

“In accordance with international aviation medical protocols, the crew, supported by three qualified medical professionals who volunteered on board, immediately initiated emergency procedures, including the use of onboard medical equipment.”

The aircraft diverted to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda to seek urgent medical assistance. However, despite efforts to revive the passenger, the individual was pronounced dead before the plane landed.

After the death was confirmed, the flight continued its journey to Nairobi and landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where it was received by medical personnel and airport security officers.

At the time, Kenya Airways said it was coordinating closely with the deceased passenger’s family, local authorities and aviation regulators while providing the necessary support and determining the cause of death.

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