A British Airways flight from London to Abuja was diverted to Barcelona, Spain, after a retired Nigerian Air Vice Marshal from Anambra State died on board.
The aircraft, which left London’s Heathrow Airport at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, was scheduled to arrive at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by 5:00 a.m. on Monday.
However, at about 1:30 a.m., the pilot declared a medical emergency and diverted to El Prat Airport in Barcelona.
According to Daily Trust that the deceased, believed to be in his early 80s, had been ill before boarding and was being flown back to Nigeria for further treatment when he died.
He was said to be one of only a few surviving retired air vice marshals from Anambra State.
The incident caused distress among passengers, and confusion onboard reportedly triggered a second medical emergency involving a pregnant woman.
Her condition could not be immediately confirmed at the time of filing this report.
British Airways, in a message to passengers, expressed regret over the incident and assured them of support.
The airline said, “Passengers are advised to expect an email with more information and can reach out to the airline’s Live Chat feature for support. British Airways acknowledges the inconvenience and thanks passengers for their patience and understanding.”
The airline confirmed that a replacement aircraft would continue the journey to Abuja.
Initially scheduled to depart Barcelona at 2:00 p.m. local time and land in Abuja at 7:00 p.m., the new departure was later adjusted to 2:50 p.m., with arrival expected around 5:45 p.m. Nigerian time.
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