A Nigerian passenger reportedly died aboard a British Airways flight from London to Abuja in the early hours of Monday, prompting an emergency diversion to Barcelona, Spain.
Gatekeepers News reports that the deceased, identified only as a retired Air Vice Marshal, was said to have been unwell before boarding the flight, which departed London Heathrow Airport at 11:30 p.m. on Sunday. He reportedly died less than two hours into the six-hour journey to Nigeria.
Sources said the pilot diverted the aircraft to El Prat Airport in Barcelona, where it landed around 1:10 a.m. local time.
According to reports, the octogenarian was being flown home for further medical treatment by his family.
Efforts to reach the Regional Commercial Manager for Nigeria and Ghana, Mrs. Tutu Otuyalo, were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered. However, The Guardian quoted her as confirming the incident, stating that the passenger “had a terminal illness.”
Otuyalo was also reported to have apologised to passengers for the disruption, assuring that the airline was working swiftly to deploy a replacement aircraft from London to continue the journey to Abuja.
British Airways, in a statement, said:
“Passengers are advised to expect an email with more information and can reach out to the airline’s Live Chat feature for support. British Airways acknowledges the inconvenience and thanks passengers for their patience and understanding.”
The airline further informed travellers that the replacement aircraft was en route to Barcelona, with an estimated departure time of 2:50 p.m. local time and arrival in Abuja at about 5:45 p.m.
“We understand the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you on board soon,” the airline added.
