A passenger on a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi, Kenya, to Lagos has died after reportedly becoming restless and aggressive during the flight.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night, with the passenger becoming unresponsive about 20 minutes before the aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Kenya Airways said the medical emergency occurred at about 9:20pm, shortly before landing.
The airline said its crew immediately administered first aid and followed established emergency procedures.
The aircraft landed at 9:41pm, where medical personnel examined the passenger and confirmed that he had died.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the incident and said the police had taken over the investigation.
NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the passenger had reportedly been picked up from Madagascar after being denied entry by customs authorities.
He explained that Kenya Airways was expected to return him to his point of departure after transporting him to the country.
Achimugu said the passenger allegedly became restless during the return flight, attempted to gain access to the cockpit and later tried to open the aircraft’s rear door.
According to him, the passenger was restrained by members of the crew to prevent further disruption and protect other passengers and crew.
“He was unable to breathe, and medical officers were alerted before the aircraft landed.
However, upon landing, he was confirmed to have died,” the airport police spokesperson, Adeola Muhammed, said.
Muhammed said police had taken statements from members of the flight crew, including the captain, while the deceased’s remains were deposited at a morgue in Ikeja.
The NCAA said the passenger’s family could request an autopsy to help establish the cause of death.
Kenya Airways expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and said it was cooperating with the family, authorities and aviation regulators as investigations continue.
