Kenya Airways has confirmed that a passenger died after suffering a medical emergency aboard a flight from Nairobi to Lagos on Tuesday night, October 6, 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 7, the national carrier said the passenger became unresponsive approximately 20 minutes before the aircraft landed in Lagos.
The incident occurred at about 9:20pm local Nigerian time while the aircraft was operating the Nairobi-Lagos route.
The airline said its crew immediately responded to the emergency and administered first aid in line with their training.
“Our crew administered first aid as per their training and followed all emergency procedures,” Kenya Airways said in the statement.
The aircraft subsequently landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 9:41pm, where it was met by medical personnel.
According to the airline, the medical team conducted further examination of the passenger after the aircraft arrived at the airport and confirmed that the passenger had died.
Kenya Airways did not disclose the identity of the deceased passenger or provide details about the medical condition that led to the emergency.
The airline said it was working with the deceased passenger’s family, local authorities and aviation regulators to provide the necessary support and manage the matter.
Kenya Airways also appealed for respect for the privacy and dignity of those affected as arrangements following the death continued.
“We convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” the airline said, while also apologising for any inconvenience the incident may have caused.
Medical emergencies in the air can require crews to assess passengers, administer immediate assistance and coordinate with ground medical teams ahead of landing.
Kenya Airways said its response to Tuesday’s incident followed the required emergency procedures and that it would continue coordinating with relevant authorities and the passenger’s family.
The airline issued the statement through its Corporate Communications department on Wednesday, October 7, without providing further information on the circumstances surrounding the passenger’s death.