easyJet has denied allegations that an 89-year-old British woman who died on a flight from Málaga to London Gatwick was already deceased before boarding. The airline insists the passenger was alive when she boarded the aircraft and that her death occurred after she was on board.
The incident, reported by several media outlets, followed witness claims that the woman was brought onto the aircraft in a wheelchair and appeared unresponsive, prompting speculation that she had died before boarding. Before take-off, while the aircraft was taxiing, the crew was alerted to a medical emergency, after which the plane returned to the terminal. The flight was subsequently delayed by around 12 hours.
In a statement, easyJet said the passenger had a valid medical certificate confirming her fitness to fly and was alive at the time of boarding. The airline added that she later required medical assistance and sadly passed away on board, despite the presence of medical personnel.
easyJet expressed condolences to the family and stressed that passenger and crew wellbeing remains its top priority, firmly rejecting claims that procedures were breached before departure.