An elderly British woman who was wheeled aboard an easyJet aircraft by her relatives had already died, fellow passengers have alleged. The incident occurred on flight EZY8070 from Malaga to London Gatwick, which was forced to return to the stand before departure after cabin crew discovered the 89-year-old had passed away.
Witnesses reported that five family members assisted the woman onto the plane, informing airline staff she was unwell and had dozed off. One passenger claimed she appeared 'slumped unconscious in a wheelchair' and that a member of the group told a gate employee it was acceptable because they were 'doctors'. The flight was delayed by almost 12 hours, finally departing at 10.47pm local time.
Passenger Petra Boddington expressed disbelief, stating: 'What were easyJet ground staff thinking today? They asked the family five times if this woman was ok... she was clearly not ok!' Another traveller, Tracy-Ann Kitching, posted on Facebook that an actual doctor on board confirmed the woman was already dead when she was placed in her seat.
However, easyJet maintained that the woman had a fit-to-fly certificate and was alive when she boarded. A spokesperson said: 'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the customer, and we are offering support and assistance at this difficult time.' The Malaga Civil Guard confirmed they were called to the aircraft and pronounced the woman dead.
It remains unclear what happened to the woman's body or her family members, though they were not arrested. Passengers received food and drink vouchers for the delay, but some complained the compensation was insufficient.
