By Wamala Sipirian
Published October 8, 2026
A passenger has died aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Lagos after becoming unresponsive shortly before the aircraft landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria.
Kenya Airways PLC said the medical emergency occurred on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at approximately 21:20 Nigerian local time.
According to the airline, the passenger became unresponsive about 20 minutes before the scheduled landing.
“Our crew administered first aid as per their training and followed all emergency procedures,” Kenya Airways said in a statement issued by its Corporate Communications department on Wednesday.
Passenger pronounced dead after landing
The aircraft landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 21:41, where medical personnel were waiting to attend to the passenger.
The airline said the medical team conducted a further examination after the aircraft arrived and confirmed that the passenger had died.
“Upon landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 21:41 hrs, the aircraft was met by medical personnel, and upon further examination, the medical personnel confirmed that the passenger had passed away,” the airline said.
Kenya Airways did not disclose the passenger’s identity.
The airline also did not provide information about the passenger’s medical condition or the cause of death.
Airline offers condolences
Kenya Airways expressed condolences to the deceased passenger’s family and friends and said it was providing support in coordination with the family, local authorities and aviation regulators.
“We convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and apologise for any inconvenience this incident may have caused,” the airline said.
The carrier also said it was respecting the privacy and dignity of everyone involved.
“We uphold and respect the privacy and dignity for all involved,” Kenya Airways said, adding that it was “providing the necessary support in close coordination with the deceased’s family, local authorities, and aviation regulators.”
No further details about the incident, including the identity of the passenger or the circumstances surrounding the death, were disclosed by the airline.
Sources
Kenya Airways PLC Corporate Communications statement.