British Grandmother Dies on EasyJet Flight from Malaga to London, Causing Long Delay
An 89-year-old British woman died on an easyJet flight from Malaga to London Gatwick on Friday. The aircraft returned to the terminal after crew raised concerns about her condition.
The woman had been brought on board in a wheelchair by her family. They told staff she was unwell and resting. Passengers reported she appeared slumped and unresponsive. The flight, originally scheduled to depart at 11:15 a.m., was delayed nearly 12 hours.
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Witnesses shared accounts on social media describing the scene. Passenger Petra Boddington said the woman appeared “slumped unconscious in a wheelchair” and questioned how she was allowed to board. Another passenger, Tracy-Ann Kitching, claimed a doctor on board confirmed the woman had already passed when she was placed in her seat. Some passengers said the family told staff they were medical professionals, though this could not be independently verified.
easyJet has stated that the woman held a valid medical “fit-to-fly” certificate and was being supported by medical personnel during the journey. A company spokesperson said the woman required medical assistance only after boarding and “sadly passed away” despite the crew’s intervention. The airline added that it is offering support to the woman’s family and friends and emphasized that passenger safety remains its highest priority.
Spanish authorities confirmed the incident. Officers from the Civil Guard in Malaga attended the aircraft, where the woman was pronounced dead. No arrests were reported, and it is unclear what further actions, if any, were taken regarding her relatives.
The delay affected all passengers on the flight, leading to nearly a 12-hour disruption. Multiple passengers expressed frustration on social media, questioning how a person in such a critical condition could be cleared to fly, and criticizing airline staff and special assistance procedures.
