• Source:JND

A British family has been accused by fellow passengers of wheeling their elderly grandmother, allegedly already dead, onto an easyJet flight from Malaga, Spain, to London’s Gatwick Airport, triggering a dramatic return to the terminal and a delay of nearly 12 hours. The incident, which occurred on December 18, has sparked widespread outrage on social media, while the airline has strongly denied claims that the woman was deceased at the time of boarding.

According to multiple passenger accounts, five family members were seen assisting the 89-year-old woman, who appeared slumped and unresponsive in a wheelchair, during the boarding of flight EZY8070. Witnesses claimed ground staff questioned her condition but were told she was “tired” or “unwell”. Several passengers later alleged that the woman appeared lifeless even before the aircraft began taxiing.

Flight Turned Back Before Take-off

As the aircraft prepared for departure, cabin crew reportedly became concerned about the woman’s condition. The flight was subsequently returned to the stand, where emergency services boarded the plane. Spanish authorities later confirmed that the woman was pronounced dead on the aircraft before it left Malaga airport.

The sudden medical emergency led to the cancellation of the original departure, with passengers disembarking and forced to wait for several hours. The flight eventually departed late at night, almost 12 hours behind schedule, and landed at Gatwick around midnight.

Several passengers took to Facebook and other platforms to share their accounts of the incident. One passenger claimed that an “actual doctor” on board stated the woman may have already passed away before being seated. Another described seeing a family member holding the woman’s head upright as she was wheeled past, calling the scene “deeply disturbing”.

While anger was directed at the airline’s ground handling and special assistance services, some passengers also expressed sympathy for the deceased woman and her family, describing the situation as tragic for everyone involved, including the crew.

Authorities And Airline Respond

A spokesperson for Spain’s Civil Guard in Malaga confirmed officers were called to the aircraft due to the death of an elderly British woman. The spokesperson stated that she had been permitted to travel because she held a valid medical “fit-to-fly” certificate and was reportedly being supported by medical personnel during the journey.

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EasyJet, however, rejected allegations that the woman was dead before boarding. In a statement, the airline said the passenger required urgent medical assistance only after boarding and “sadly passed away” despite the intervention of emergency services. “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the customer at this difficult time,” the airline said, adding that passenger and crew wellbeing remains its highest priority.

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No arrests have been reported so far, and it remains unclear what action, if any, Spanish authorities may take. The family involved has not issued a public response. The incident has raised fresh questions about airline medical clearance procedures and the handling of passengers with serious health conditions


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