An easyJet flight bound for London Gatwick faced an 11-hour and 15-minute delay following the tragic death of an elderly passenger onboard. The incident occurred on Thursday 18 December aboard flight EZY8070, which was travelling from the Spanish holiday hotspot of Malaga to the UK.
Passenger Claims Woman 'Looked Dead' During Boarding
Fellow travellers have since come forward with disturbing accounts of the moments before the flight's departure. Passenger Petra Boddington told The Sun that the 89-year-old woman appeared visibly unwell as she was wheeled onto the Airbus A319 aircraft. "Anybody with eyes could see that she was not fit to fly," Boddington stated, adding that other passengers shared her concern. Witnesses reported seeing the medical personnel accompanying her holding her head up, with several people remarking they believed she "looked dead" as she passed by.
Airline Confirms 'Fit to Fly' Certificate Was in Place
In a statement addressing the event, easyJet confirmed the passenger's death and expressed condolences to her family. The airline emphasised that the woman was travelling with a valid medical 'fit to fly' certificate and was in the care of two medical professionals for her journey. "It was only after boarding that the customer then required medical assistance and she sadly passed away," an easyJet spokesperson explained. The airline maintains that passenger and crew wellbeing is its highest priority.
The sequence of events saw the aircraft begin taxiing towards the runway before cabin crew were alerted to the medical emergency. The plane subsequently returned to the gate at Malaga airport. The Civil Guard in Spain confirmed officers responded to the death of a British woman just after 11am on 18 December.
Substantial Delay and Aftermath
The scheduled 11.15am departure was thrown into chaos, with the flight eventually taking off at 10.30pm – more than 11 hours behind schedule. The substantial delay impacted all passengers on the service to London Gatwick. The incident raises serious questions about the protocols surrounding passengers requiring medical assistance during air travel, even when official documentation is provided.
EasyJet has stated it is offering support and assistance to the family of the deceased customer during this difficult time. The airline has also asked for understanding from other passengers affected by the lengthy delay caused by the tragic circumstances.
