Quick Read
- EasyJet flight from Malaga to London Gatwick was delayed nearly 12 hours after an elderly British woman was found deceased on board.
- The woman’s family reportedly told staff she was ‘just tired’ and boarded with a fit-to-fly certificate.
- Passengers expressed outrage and raised questions about airline procedures and responsibilities.
Outrage as Deceased Passenger Boarded EasyJet Flight from Malaga
Passengers on an EasyJet flight from Malaga to London Gatwick on December 19, 2025, faced an extraordinary ordeal when a British family boarded the plane with their deceased 89-year-old grandmother. The family, accompanied by five relatives, reportedly told airline staff that the elderly woman was simply unwell and ‘just tired’. Witnesses recounted the woman being wheeled to the rear of the plane in a wheelchair and then lifted into her seat with assistance from her relatives. Moments before takeoff, cabin crew grew suspicious, ultimately confirming that the woman had died.
The incident, reported by The Mirror, Devon Live, and GB News, led to a dramatic halt on the runway. Emergency services were called, and the aircraft returned to the stand. The Malaga Civil Guard later confirmed the woman was pronounced dead on the plane, and no arrests were made.
Flight Delayed for 12 Hours as Passengers Demand Answers
The scheduled 11:15 am flight was delayed by nearly 12 hours, finally departing at 10:47 pm and landing in London around midnight. Passengers were offered food and drink vouchers, but many felt this did not sufficiently compensate for the disruption. Some voiced their anger online, with Tracy-Ann Kitching posting on Facebook: “EasyJet – you are unbelievable! Why did you let a dead person on our flight?!” Another passenger, Petra Boddington, questioned the judgment of ground staff: “They asked the family five times if this woman was ok… she was clearly not ok!”
According to witnesses, boarding staff had questioned the woman’s condition multiple times. The family reportedly assured staff she was merely tired, and one member claimed they were doctors. EasyJet stated the woman had a fit-to-fly certificate and was alive when she boarded, but passengers remained unconvinced. Tracy-Ann Kitching noted, “An actual doctor on board [confirmed] she was already dead when they put her in her seat.”
Complexity of Repatriation: Motive and Responsibility Under Scrutiny
The story took another twist as fellow travelers speculated the family’s motive may have been to avoid expensive repatriation costs. As reported by Sur in English, transporting mortal remains across borders is a complex and costly process, often requiring official death certificates and special coffins, typically on cargo flights. The suggestion that the family attempted to circumvent these procedures by boarding with the deceased woman as a passenger shocked many. However, EasyJet maintains the woman was medically cleared for travel.
The incident highlighted not only the emotional impact on passengers and crew but also the ambiguities and potential weaknesses in airline procedures for assessing passenger health, especially in cases involving special assistance. Tracy-Ann Kitching praised the first officer for his professionalism in answering questions, but called for accountability, hoping Spanish authorities would investigate the family’s actions.
Airline Response and Broader Implications
In a statement, EasyJet expressed condolences: “The flight was met by emergency services however the customer sadly passed away. 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 and we would like to thank passengers for their understanding for the delay.”
No arrests were made, and the fate of the woman’s body after removal from the aircraft remains unclear. The incident has sparked debate about airline responsibility, the adequacy of medical checks prior to boarding, and the ethical implications of attempting to travel with a deceased relative. Some passengers felt the crew and ground staff were placed in an impossible situation, while others demanded stricter policies and clearer guidelines.
For those on board, the day became a memorable—and distressing—chapter in travel history. The event underscores the importance of vigilance and compassion in aviation, as well as the need for robust procedures to address medical emergencies and sensitive situations.
This incident exposes a troubling gap in airline procedures for verifying passenger health, especially for vulnerable travelers requiring special assistance. While EasyJet followed protocol by accepting a fit-to-fly certificate, the outcome reveals that ground staff and crew must be empowered to challenge documentation when clear signs of distress or incapacitation are evident. Balancing empathy for grieving families with safety and dignity for all passengers will require airlines to rethink how they assess and respond to such extraordinary scenarios.