A traveler lost their life on a Kenya Airways journey from Nairobi to Lagos after abruptly becoming unresponsive just moments before the aircraft touched down in Lagos.
Kenya Airways confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Corporate Communications Department on Wednesday.
The airline said the medical emergency occurred at about 9:20pm Nigerian time on Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
“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 statement said.
“One of our passengers was found to be unresponsive approximately 20 minutes before landing in Lagos.”
According to the airline, its crew administered first aid to the passenger in accordance with their training and followed all emergency procedures.
The statement said the aircraft landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 9:41pm, where medical personnel were waiting.
“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,” Kenya Airways said.
The airline expressed condolences to the deceased passenger’s family and friends, while apologising for any inconvenience caused by the incident.
“We convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and apologise for any inconvenience this incident may have caused,” it said.
Kenya Airways added that it would uphold and respect the privacy and dignity of all those involved.
The airline also said it was providing the necessary support in close coordination with the deceased’s family, local authorities and aviation regulators.
It was also learnt that the passenger passed away after being denied entry into Madagascar.
As of the press time, his body has been deposited at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Ikeja while investigation continues.
Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Michael Achimugu, confirmed that the police had taken over investigation.
“The country manager had woken me up this morning to say their own side of the story, and the police will start their own investigations,” Achimugu said.
Achimugu disclosed that the passenger had reportedly been picked up from Madagascar after customs authorities had earlier denied him entry into the country.
Achimugu explained that, as the airline that had brought the passenger into the country, Kenya Airways was expected to return him.
“The country manager said he was picked from Madagascar, after customs had earlier denied him entry into the country, and as expected, the airline that brought him into the country must take him back,” he said.
Spokesperson of the Airport command of the Nigeria Police Force, Muhammed Adeola, also confirmed the incident, adding that the police had taken statements from the flight attendants, including the captain of the aircraft.
“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,” he said.
What You Should Know
A Nigerian traveler who was previously denied entry into Madagascar was being repatriated by Kenya Airways when he suffered a fatal medical emergency onboard. The flight crew attempted to administer first aid, but upon landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, medical personnel confirmed his passing. The Nigeria Police Force has launched an official investigation into the incident, and the body has been transferred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH).
- Positive Impact: Swift coordination by airport medical personnel and aviation authorities ensured the incident was promptly documented and investigated.
- Potential Concerns: Raises questions regarding protocol, safety, and medical emergency responses for inadmissible passengers on international commercial flights.
