An 89-year-old British grandmother was declared dead on an easyJet aircraft preparing to depart from Spain, with fellow passengers claiming her family had been talking to her 'as if she was alive' before and during boarding. The incident occurred on flight EZY8070 from Málaga to London Gatwick on December 18, leading to an 11-hour delay.
Passenger Accounts of Disturbing Scenes
According to eyewitnesses, concerns about the elderly woman's condition began at the airport terminal. Passenger Elizabeth Rowland, seated nearby, described the family's behaviour to the Daily Mail. "Her family were trying to wake her up and saying, 'Can you hear me? We're going to get on the flight now'", she reported. Rowland stated the relatives were attempting to give her a drink and acted with a concerning calmness, showing "not one ounce of emotion" even when paramedics arrived.
Another traveller, Petra Boddington, told The Sun she and others had observed the "fragile, elderly lady" being wheeled through the aircraft. "People turned in their seats and went, 'oh my god, she looks dead'", Boddington recalled. She added that some passengers claimed to see the woman's companions holding her head up in her seat.
Airline Statement and Fit-to-Fly Certificate
In a formal statement, easyJet confirmed the tragic event. "Flight EZY8070 from Málaga to London Gatwick returned to stand prior to departure due to a customer onboard requiring urgent medical assistance", a spokesperson said. The airline emphasised that the customer was declared dead after boarding and that she possessed a valid fit-to-fly certificate. They expressed condolences and stated that the wellbeing of passengers and crew is their highest priority.
Flight Delayed and Investigation Implied
The aircraft returned to the terminal after a crew member raised the alarm. Emergency services attended but the woman was sadly pronounced dead. The disruption led to the flight being postponed by 11 hours, affecting all passengers on the December 18 service. The stark contrast between the eyewitness accounts and the airline's statement regarding the woman's condition prior to boarding raises significant questions. The incident underscores the complex and sensitive protocols surrounding elderly travel and medical clearance for flights.
The airline has offered support to the family and thanked other passengers for their understanding during the lengthy delay. The precise circumstances leading up to the tragedy remain under scrutiny.
