KENYA: Elderly Passenger Dies Aboard Kenya Flight From New York To Nairobi

By Lisbeth Micheni, Kenya 

A Kenya Airways flight en route to Nairobi from New York was marred by a somber incident after an elderly traveler died mid-flight following a medical complication.

The incident unfolded on Friday aboard flight KQ 003, which had departed from John F. Kennedy International Airport, with Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as its final destination.

Kenya Airways reported that at approximately 8:40 a.m. Nairobi time, the flight crew alerted their Operations Control Centre that a passenger had suddenly collapsed.

Efforts to stabilize the individual began immediately, with assistance from three medical professionals on board who volunteered to help.

Despite using all available medical equipment and performing emergency procedures, the passenger was declared dead at 9:10 a.m. before any emergency landing could be made.

The crew had initially planned to divert to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda in a bid to seek urgent medical help, but this was reconsidered after the passenger’s passing was confirmed.

The aircraft proceeded with its journey and safely landed in Nairobi at 10:27 a.m., where medical teams, airport authorities, and other relevant personnel were waiting.

In a statement, Kenya Airways expressed its condolences and assured the public that it is working closely with the passenger’s family and aviation authorities to offer support and determine the cause of death in line with standard medical protocols.

The airline emphasized that the privacy and dignity of the deceased and those affected remain a top priority.