A family has been accused of attempting to board an easyJet flight with the body of their deceased elderly relative, after reportedly telling cabin crew the woman was "just tired".
Runway Drama Halts Departure
Passengers on the easyJet flight EZY8070 from Málaga to London Gatwick were left in shock when their departure was suddenly aborted on the runway. The incident occurred just after 11am on Friday, 19th December 2025, as horrified crew members realised the 89-year-old British woman had died. She had been brought onto the aircraft in a wheelchair by relatives and was lifted into her seat.
Petra Boddington, a passenger on the flight, expressed her disbelief to the Daily Mail. "I know it's not funny because somebody did actually die, but easyJet ground staff actually allowed someone that looked completely dead onto the plane," she said. "To the naked eye, she looked like she was already dead, slumped unconscious in a wheelchair."
Family's Actions Before Boarding
Another passenger, 19-year-old Elizabeth Rowland from Marbella, was seated three rows in front of the family. She recounted the disturbing scene prior to boarding. "Her family were trying to wake her up and saying, 'Can you hear me? We're going to get on the flight now, we're going to board now', and trying to give her something to drink," Rowland stated. "They were talking to her and acting as if she was alive."
EasyJet confirmed in a statement that the passenger had been provided with a certificate confirming she was fit to fly prior to the journey. However, other passengers noted the woman appeared unresponsive as she was moved to her seat.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
The Civil Guard in Málaga confirmed they were called to the aircraft to attend to the elderly British woman, who was pronounced dead on the plane. The flight returned to the stand to meet emergency services.
In its official statement, easyJet said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the customer, and we are offering support and assistance at this difficult time. The wellbeing of our passengers and crew is always easyJet's highest priority." It is not clear what happened to the woman's family after she was removed from the aircraft.
The incident has raised serious questions about pre-flight checks and procedures, leaving fellow travellers questioning the family's motives. As Petra Boddington speculated, "Why would she be allowed onto the flight and then disrupt everyone's plans… purely to save the family repatriation?"
