Passengers on an easyJet flight from Malaga to London Gatwick have described the moment they realised an elderly British woman had died aboard the plane shortly before take-off. Tracy-Ann Kitching, a passenger on flight EZY8070, claimed she saw the 89-year-old being wheeled onto the aircraft with someone 'holding her head' as they passed.
In a social media post, Kitching expressed outrage, alleging that a doctor on board confirmed the woman was already dead when she was placed in her seat. She criticised the airport's Special Assistance team for not raising the issue before boarding. The plane had begun taxiing but turned back to the stand after crew members suspected the passenger had died.
Emergency services were called, and the woman was pronounced dead on the aircraft. The flight was delayed by 12 hours. Passengers were offered food and drink vouchers, though some deemed this insufficient. Kitching praised the co-pilot for his professionalism and patience in answering questions.
A spokesman for Malaga Civil Guard confirmed the incident, stating the woman was a British national. EasyJet expressed condolences and said the flight returned to stand due to a customer requiring urgent medical assistance, adding that the wellbeing of passengers and crew is its highest priority.
