A passenger died aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Lagos after becoming unresponsive shortly before landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Kenya Airways confirmed the death in a statement issued by its Corporate Communications Department on Wednesday. According to the airline, the medical emergency occurred at about 9:20 p.m. Nigerian time on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, roughly 20 minutes before the flight was due to land. Cabin crew administered first aid and followed established emergency procedures as the aircraft continued its journey to Lagos.
The flight touched down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 9:41 p.m., where medical personnel were on standby. After examining the passenger, the medical team confirmed that he had died. Kenya Airways expressed condolences to the passenger’s family and friends and apologised for any inconvenience caused by the incident. The airline said it was cooperating with the passenger’s family, local authorities and aviation regulators while respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved.
Passenger Reportedly Denied Entry Into Madagascar
Additional information suggests that the passenger was being returned from Madagascar after reportedly being denied entry into the country.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), said the passenger had been picked up in Madagascar after customs authorities refused him entry. Achimugu explained that because Kenya Airways had transported the passenger to Madagascar, the airline was expected to return him to his point of origin. He added that the police had assumed responsibility for investigating the circumstances of the death.
The Nigeria Police Force also confirmed that an investigation was underway. Muhammed Adeola, spokesperson for the Airport Command of the Nigeria Police Force, said officers had taken statements from members of the flight crew, including the captain.
According to Adeola, the passenger developed breathing difficulties during the return flight. This prompted the crew to alert medical personnel before landing. The passenger was pronounced dead after the aircraft arrived, and his remains were transferred to a morgue in Ikeja.
The circumstances of his death, including what happened before the medical emergency, remain under investigation.
