Passenger Collapses & Dies Aboard Kenya Airways Flight

National airline, Kenya Airways (KQ), has confirmed the death of a passenger which occurred aboard its flight heading to Nairobi from New York in the United States (US).

In an incident report, KQ revealed that the elderly passenger had earlier on Friday, April 11, experienced a medical emergency mid-air aboard KQ 003.

At 0840 hours, Kenyan time, the crew, upon learning of the incident, notified the Kenya Airways Operations Control Centre that the passenger had collapsed. 

"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," KQ stated in part.

The flight later diverted toward Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to expedite urgent medical care. Regrettably, despite sustained resuscitation efforts, the passenger was pronounced deceased by the attending medical professionals at 0910 hours East Africa Time (EAT), prior to landing.

Following confirmation of the fatality and in alignment with international aviation safety and operational guidelines, the flight crew resumed the journey to the scheduled destination, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).

"The aircraft landed at 1027 hours Nairobi Time and was met by Kenya Airways' contracted medical team, airport security, and relevant government authorities to manage the situation in accordance with established protocols," added KQ.

Following the tragic events, Kenya Airways revealed that it is coordinating closely with the family of the deceased, local authorities, and aviation regulators to provide necessary support and determine the cause of death in line with applicable clinical protocols.

"The airline extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic event. Privacy and dignity for all involved remain our utmost priority," added the statement.

Kenya Airways is no stranger to encountering medical emergencies on this 15 hour-long route, with some cases being fatal. 

On September 2, 2022, a passenger died during its direct flight from Nairobi to New York in the United States (US), the second one reported in two weeks after one of its passengers had died aboard another KQ flight, which was on the reverse journey from New York.

In the September incident, the national airline revealed that the passenger was found to be unresponsive and had passed away after an investigation by medical personnel.

On August 23, 2022, KQ003 was forced to divert from its 15-hour flight to Casablanca, Morocco, for a medical emergency after it was discovered that the passenger fell ill mid-journey.

A medical emergency occurs in the skies about once every 600 flights, according to a study that appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine. The most common of them include fainting, respiratory problems, heart trouble, and nausea or vomiting. 

The study found that it is rare for an in-flight emergency to end in death, but the worst outcome does take place 0.3 per cent of the time.

Photo of an ambulance at a hospital. /DIANI BEACH HOSPITAL