A passenger travelling from Nairobi, Kenya, to Lagos, Nigeria, on a Kenya Airways flight died shortly before the aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Tuesday night.
The passenger, whose identity has not been released, reportedly became unresponsive at about 9:20 p.m., approximately 20 minutes before the aircraft touched down in Lagos.
According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the passenger had allegedly been denied entry into Madagascar and was being returned to his point of departure aboard the Kenya Airways flight.
During the flight, the passenger reportedly became restless and aggressive. He allegedly attempted to gain access to the cockpit and later tried to open the aircraft’s rear door, prompting the crew to restrain his hands behind his back to prevent further disruption and protect other passengers and crew members.
Kenya Airways said the passenger was subsequently found unresponsive at about 9:20 p.m.
The cabin crew immediately administered first aid and activated the airline’s emergency procedures while the aircraft continued its journey to Lagos.
The aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at approximately 9:41 p.m., where medical personnel examined the passenger and confirmed that he had died.
The Nigeria Police Airport Command has since commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the passenger’s death.
Police investigators have taken statements from members of the flight crew, including the captain and flight attendants. According to the police, the passenger experienced breathing difficulties before the aircraft landed.
His remains have been deposited at a morgue in Ikeja pending further investigation.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding his death, while an autopsy may be conducted at the request of his family to determine the precise cause of death.
Kenya Airways expressed condolences to the passenger’s family and said it was cooperating with the family, aviation regulators and other relevant authorities as investigations continue.
The incident occurred shortly before the aircraft’s scheduled arrival in Lagos, with authorities now working to establish what happened between the passenger’s reported disruptive behaviour and his subsequent death.