A male passenger has died aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi, Kenya, to Lagos after reportedly becoming restless and aggressive during the flight, with the incident resulting in a medical emergency shortly before the aircraft landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night, 6 October, 2026, with the passenger reportedly becoming disruptive during the flight and allegedly attempting to gain access to the cockpit before subsequently trying to open the rear cabin door.
According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the passenger was restrained by the cabin crew and other passengers to prevent further disruption and ensure the safety of those on board.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, said the passenger had reportedly been picked up from Madagascar after being denied entry by customs authorities and was being returned by Kenya Airways.
Achimugu explained that the passenger became restless and aggressive after boarding the aircraft and allegedly attempted to enter the cockpit before trying to open the rear door. He said the passenger was eventually restrained, with his hands tied behind his back.
The NCAA official, however, stressed that he would not pre-empt the ongoing police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the passenger’s death.
Meanwhile, Kenya Airways confirmed that a medical emergency occurred approximately 20 minutes before the aircraft was due to land in Lagos.
In a statement, the airline said the passenger was found unresponsive at about 9:20 p.m., prompting the cabin crew to administer first aid and follow established emergency procedures.
The aircraft subsequently landed safely at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 9:41 p.m., where medical personnel were waiting. Following further examination, the passenger was confirmed to have died.
The airline expressed its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and apologised for any inconvenience the incident may have caused.
Kenya Airways also said it was providing the necessary support in coordination with the deceased’s family, local authorities and aviation regulators, while respecting the privacy and dignity of everyone involved. (TheCable)
The Nigeria Police Force has taken over the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Police authorities have reportedly obtained statements from members of the flight crew, including the captain, while the deceased’s remains have been deposited at a morgue in Ikeja.
Authorities are expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding the passenger’s behaviour during the flight and the cause of death as investigations continue.
