A routine EasyJet flight from the sunny shores of Lanzarote to the French city of Nantes was struck by tragedy this week when a passenger passed away mid-air.
The incident occurred on board the Airbus A320 aircraft, forcing the pilots to declare a medical emergency and initiate an urgent diversion. The plane was rerouted to Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport in southwestern France to get the passenger immediate medical assistance.
Upon landing, emergency services were waiting on the tarmac. Despite the rapid response and efforts of paramedics, the individual was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. The specific cause of death has not been publicly disclosed by authorities.
The unexpected event caused significant disruption for other travellers. The flight, EJU4534, was subsequently cancelled. EasyJet confirmed that passengers were provided with hotel accommodations and booked onto alternative flights the following day to complete their journey to Nantes.
An EasyJet spokesperson released a statement, saying: "We can confirm that a passenger became unwell on board flight EJU4534 from Lanzarote to Nantes. The aircraft was met by paramedics upon arrival in Bordeaux. Sadly, we can confirm that the passenger passed away."
The spokesperson extended the airline's deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and emphasised that the crew's priority is the safety and wellbeing of all passengers and crew on board. The airline has stated it is supporting the authorities with their investigation into this tragic event.
