Passengers on an EasyJet service from Málaga to London Gatwick have alleged that a British family attempted to travel with a deceased elderly relative, triggering a major delay to the flight.
According to accounts from those on board, the woman, believed to be about 89 years old, was brought onto the aircraft in a wheelchair by five relatives, who reportedly told staff she was unwell and had simply dozed off.
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Several witnesses said the family wheeled her toward the back of the cabin and helped lift her into a seat. Some passengers claimed they heard a relative reassure airline staff, saying, “It’s OK, she’s just tired,” and adding, “It’s OK, we’re doctors.”
As preparations for departure were underway, cabin crew became concerned and later determined that the woman had died. The aircraft was subsequently returned to the stand, leading to a delay of around 12 hours for the journey.
One passenger, Petra Boddington, reacted angrily, saying: “easyJet, when did you start letting dead people onto planes? Seriously!” Another traveller, Tracy-Ann Kitching, recounted: “I saw her being wheeled onto the plane; someone was holding her head as they passed me! A doctor on board confirmed that was already dead when they sat her down.”
However, EasyJet disputed claims that a dead passenger boarded the flight. The airline maintained that the woman was alive at boarding and had been cleared to travel.
In a statement, the carrier said: “The flight returned to the stand prior to take-off due to a customer on board requiring urgent medical assistance. The flight was met by emergency services, but sadly the customer passed away.”
Spanish authorities also responded to the incident. The Guardia Civil in Málaga confirmed that officers were called to the aircraft, where the woman was pronounced dead. They added that no arrests have been made in connection with the matter.
