Passenger dies on Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Lagos

A passenger has died on a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Lagos. This happened about 20 minutes before the plane landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

Kenya Airways confirmed the incident on Wednesday. They said the medical emergency occurred around 9:20 p.m. Nigerian time on Tuesday.

The airline stated that its crew provided first aid to the passenger. They followed emergency procedures until the plane landed at 9:41 p.m.

"Upon landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 21:41 hrs, the aircraft was met by medical personnel. After further examination, the medical personnel confirmed that the passenger had passed away," the airline said.

Kenya Airways expressed condolences to the family and friends of the passenger. They are providing support in coordination with the family, local authorities, and aviation regulators.

The airline did not reveal the passenger's identity or the cause of death. They said they wanted to respect the privacy and dignity of those involved.

Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), said the police have started an investigation.

Mr Achimugu mentioned he was briefed by Kenya Airways' country manager on Wednesday morning.

He explained that the passenger had been picked up in Madagascar. Authorities there had denied him entry, and he was being sent back to Nigeria by Kenya Airways.

"The country manager said he was picked from Madagascar after customs had earlier denied him entry into the country. As expected, the airline that brought him into the country must take him back," Mr Achimugu said.

He added that the passenger became restless and aggressive during the return flight. He tried to enter the cockpit and later attempted to open the rear door of the aircraft.

The crew had to restrain him. "When he got into the aircraft, he became restless and aggressive, wanted to enter the cockpit, and later wanted to open the rear door. He was later tied down. His hands were tied to his back to ensure that he stopped the troubles," he explained.

Mr Achimugu confirmed that the passenger was pronounced dead upon arrival in Lagos. "But when he got to Nigeria, he was declared dead on arrival. I don’t want to pre-empt the police investigation, but they have taken it over for now," he said.

He noted that the deceased’s family might request an autopsy as the investigation continues.

Muhammed Adeola, a spokesperson for the Airport Command of the Nigeria Police Force, confirmed that an investigation has started.

Mr Adeola said the incident involved an "inadmissible passenger". Complications reportedly arose during the return flight.

"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 said.

He mentioned that the passenger became unable to breathe before medical personnel were alerted ahead of the aircraft’s arrival.

Mr Adeola added that the police have taken statements from the flight crew, including the captain. The body has been moved to a morgue in Ikeja.

This death is not the first case of a passenger dying on an international flight heading to Lagos.

In March 2019, a 54-year-old passenger on a Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Lagos was found unresponsive shortly before the plane landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Medical personnel confirmed the passenger's death after landing.

Medical emergencies have also caused international flights to return to Lagos. In September 2025, PREMIUM TIMES reported that a United Airlines flight from Lagos to Washington, D.C., returned to Lagos after a passenger suffered a medical emergency about 90 minutes into the flight.

Kenya Airways said it is providing necessary support with the deceased passenger's family, local authorities, and aviation regulators. They also apologized for any inconvenience this incident may have caused other passengers.