Passenger dies during Kenya Airways flight to Lagos

A passenger has died after suffering a medical emergency aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi, Kenya, to Lagos, Nigeria.

The airline confirmed the death in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying the incident occurred on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, as the aircraft approached Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

According to the airline, the passenger became unresponsive at about 9:20 p.m. Nigerian time, approximately 20 minutes before the aircraft touched down.

“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,” the airline stated.

The aircraft landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at approximately 9:41 p.m., after which medical personnel boarded the plane to attend to the passenger.

However, after examining the passenger, the medical team confirmed the death.

Kenya Airways expressed sympathy to the deceased’s family and friends and apologised for 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 was working with the deceased passenger’s family, local authorities and aviation regulators to provide the necessary assistance and facilitate the procedures required following the death.