A passenger aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi, Kenya, to Lagos has died after becoming unresponsive shortly before the aircraft landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Gatekeepers News reports that the incident occurred on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, with the passenger reportedly becoming unresponsive at about 9:20pm, approximately 20 minutes before the aircraft was due to land.
Kenya Airways said its crew administered first aid and followed emergency procedures after noticing the passenger’s condition.
The aircraft landed at the Lagos airport at about 9:41pm, where medical personnel boarded the plane and examined the passenger before confirming that he had died.
The airline expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and friends and said it was providing support in coordination with the family, local authorities and aviation regulators.
However, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has provided additional details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Michael Achimugu, NCAA director of public affairs and consumer protection, said the passenger had reportedly been picked up in Madagascar after authorities there denied him entry into the country. Kenya Airways was subsequently expected to return him to Nigeria.
According to Achimugu, the passenger became restless and aggressive during the flight, allegedly attempting to gain access to the cockpit and later trying to open the aircraft’s rear door.
He said the passenger was restrained by members of the crew to prevent further disruption.
“When he got into the aircraft, he became restless and aggressive inside the aircraft, wanted to enter the cockpit and later wanted to open the rear door, but was later tied down,” Achimugu said.
He added that the passenger was declared dead after the aircraft arrived in Lagos and said the police had taken over the investigation.
The Airport Command of the Nigeria Police Force also confirmed that an investigation had commenced. Police said statements had been obtained from members of the flight crew, including the captain, while the deceased’s remains were deposited at a morgue in Ikeja.
The cause of death has not been established publicly. Achimugu said the deceased’s family could request an autopsy as the investigation progresses.
Kenya Airways said it would respect the privacy and dignity of everyone involved while continuing to cooperate with the relevant authorities.
