"Did They Board a Deceased Passenger?"... 12-Hour Flight Delay Sparks Controversy

London-bound Flight from Malaga Delayed 12 Hours
Family Claims "She Was Alive at Boarding"
Conflicting Statements from Passengers and Airline

A controversy has arisen over claims that an elderly passenger boarded a flight from Malaga, Spain to Gatwick, London, England, already deceased. While the airline maintains that the passenger was alive at the time of boarding, fellow passengers are strongly disputing this, stating, "It was clear to anyone that she was not in a normal condition."

A controversy has arisen over claims that an elderly passenger boarded a flight from Malaga, Spain to Gatwick, London, England, already deceased. Photo by Getty Images

According to recent reports from local British media, the incident occurred on December 18 on a low-cost carrier easyJet flight preparing to depart from Malaga Airport. An 89-year-old female passenger, assisted by her family, boarded the plane in a wheelchair. It was confirmed that she had passed away just before takeoff, leading to the cancellation of the departure.

The controversy spread after a passenger posted a video of the incident on social media. The claim that "easyJet boarded a deceased person on the plane" was quickly shared and drew significant attention.

According to witnesses, the passenger was slumped forward in her wheelchair, with her companions supporting her head as they moved her. The elderly woman was assigned to a special assistance seat at the very back of the cabin. The flight, which was scheduled to depart at 11:15 a.m., taxied to the runway, but during the final pre-takeoff checks, the crew noticed unusual signs.

An easyJet Airbus aircraft standing on the runway of Southend London Airport in Southend-on-Sea. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News Agency

After the crew rechecked her condition, the aircraft immediately aborted takeoff, and airport medical staff and emergency responders boarded the plane. It was confirmed that the passenger was already deceased. The exact time of death has not yet been determined.

The captain announced over the intercom that there was a "medical emergency," and all passengers were returned to the terminal. During this process, some passengers reportedly protested to the airline and airport authorities, questioning how a passenger in such a condition could have boarded. As a result, the flight was delayed by about 12 hours and only departed late that night.

The family reportedly stated at the time that "grandmother was simply tired and not feeling well." The airline also explained that a medical certificate declaring her fit to fly had been submitted in advance, and that she was alive at the time of boarding.

However, reactions from fellow passengers were mixed. Some said, "She already appeared unconscious when she was wheeled past," and "She did not seem to be in a condition suitable for flying." The passenger who posted the video also pointed out, "It was clear to anyone that she was in a critical state, so it is hard to understand how she was allowed to board with the explanation that she was just tired."

Spanish police have now launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances and timing of the death. The inquiry reportedly also includes the post-mortem procedures and whether the family was aware of her condition.