easyJet Flight Returns to Stand After Passenger Death Sparks Controversy

Elderly Passenger Dies on Málaga-Gatwick Flight

An easyJet Málaga-Gatwick flight was delayed 12 hours after an elderly British passenger died onboard shortly after boarding. The 89-year-old woman, who has not been named, was wheeled onto the easyJet flight bound for London Gatwick Airport by her family in Spain. Moments before takeoff, the aircraft halted and returned to the stand when it was confirmed that the passenger had died on board.

Passenger Concerns About Boarding Process

Multiple passengers expressed shock at what they witnessed during boarding. Five family members assisted the 89-year-old in boarding the aircraft, with onlookers claiming the group informed airline personnel she was poorly and had dozed off. The other passengers alleged the party had only managed to board because they informed a staff member at the gate who questioned the woman’s evident poor health that she was ‘just tired’.

Passenger Petra Boddington questioned the airline’s decision to allow the woman to board. “They asked the family five times if this woman was ok… she was clearly not ok!” Tracy-Ann Kitching, a passenger on the flight, claimed: “An actual doctor onboard [confirmed] she was already dead when they put her in her seat.”

Airline Response and Official Confirmation

EasyJet has disputed the passengers’ accounts, stating the woman held a valid fit-to-fly certificate and was alive when she boarded the aircraft. Spanish authorities were called to the aircraft, and the woman was formally pronounced dead before the flight departed. The Civil Guard later confirmed their involvement, stating they responded to reports of a deceased elderly British woman on a Gatwick-bound aircraft.

Flight Delay and Passenger Compensation

The flight, designated EZY8070, was delayed by nearly 12 hours following the incident. After the aircraft returned to the stand, passengers were required to disembark while authorities completed their procedures and the airline assessed next steps. The service eventually departed Málaga at 22:47 local time, landing at Gatwick close to midnight. EasyJet provided food and drink vouchers to affected passengers, though some travellers said the compensation did not adequately reflect the length of the delay.

Significance and Industry Implications

This incident has raised important questions about pre-boarding medical assessments and special assistance procedures at airports. The event placed renewed attention on airline medical screening, special assistance procedures, and the broader responsibilities of commercial aviation when accommodating elderly and vulnerable travelers. The tragedy highlights the delicate balance airlines must strike between compassion for passengers requiring assistance and ensuring flight safety protocols are properly followed.