- By Sakshi Srivastava
- Sat, 26 Jul 2025 05:29 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A Qatar Airways flight from Melbourne to Doha recently sparked outrage after the airline placed the body of a deceased passenger next to an Australian couple. While the airline stated that the crew acted in line with emergency protocols, the disturbing scene raised serious questions: What actually happens when someone dies on a plane? Who makes the call? Where does the body go? And how are other passengers expected to react? Though extremely rare, in-flight deaths are a real possibility, particularly on long-haul flights. Here’s what aviation experts, medical professionals, and former flight attendants say about how airlines handle death in the sky — with dignity, discretion, and legal compliance.
First Response
When a passenger loses consciousness mid-flight, flight attendants are trained to act immediately, administering CPR and using onboard medical kits, including Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). A call for medical professionals onboard — often phrased as, “Is there a doctor on board?” — is made through the intercom. If no licensed doctor is available, crews consult remote emergency services like MedAire’s MedLink to get guidance. While only a doctor can officially declare death, if no pulse or signs of life are observed after extensive CPR (typically 30 minutes), the person is presumed dead. “Crew members cannot declare death, but they follow strict medical protocols to assess unresponsiveness,” says Dr. Paulo Alves, aviation medical director at MedAire.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). (Image Source: Pixabay)
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Where Does The Body Go?
Unlike scenes in movies, there’s no secret morgue on commercial aircraft. Most airlines do not have designated areas for storing deceased passengers, especially on full flights.
Depending on the cabin situation, here’s what typically happens:
1. If space allows, the body is moved to an empty row and covered with a blanket.
2. If the flight is full, the body may remain in its original seat, seatbelt fastened, and respectfully covered.
3. On some long-haul aircraft, first-class suites or empty galleys are used temporarily, especially if the flight has many hours remaining.
4. Some international airlines carry body bags and toe tags for use on ultra-long routes.
Does The Plane Divert Immediately?
Not all mid-air deaths result in emergency landings. Airlines weigh multiple factors, including:
1. Proximity to a diversion airport
2. Flight duration left
3. Immigration and repatriation concerns at alternate locations
4. Passenger load and onboard medical conditions
In many cases, especially during transoceanic flights, completing the journey is the most practical option.
What Happens After Landing?
Once on the ground, medical professionals and local authorities board the aircraft. They officially pronounce the passenger dead if not already done, and law enforcement may assist, depending on jurisdiction.
According to IATA guidelines:
1. Other passengers disembark first.
2. Family or travel companions stay behind with the body.
3. The body is not removed until proper authorities are present and can handle the scene.
4. The airline then initiates procedures to assist family members, including help with paperwork, body repatriation, and support services.
Dealing with death at 35,000 feet is emotionally taxing— not just for passengers, but for the flight crew as well.
How Common Are In-Flight Deaths?
In-flight deaths remain rare. A 2013 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found:
1. 1 medical emergency occurs every 604 flights
2. Of 10,914 medical cases, only 0.3 per cent (about 36) resulted in death
Still, the risk is higher on long-haul international flights with more passengers, fewer diversion options, and higher physical stress on travelers.
