Passenger on Kenya Airways Flight from New York Collapses and Dies

National carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) has announced the death of a passenger who was travelling from New York to Nairobi on flight KQ 003.

In a statement, KQ said an elderly passenger experienced a medical emergency mid-air at around 0840 hours, Kenyan time, on Friday, April 11.

“Kenya Airways PLC (“KQ”) regrets to confirm the passing on of a passenger on flight KQ 003 operating from New York (JFK) to Nairobi (NBO) on Friday, 11th April 2025,” read part of the statement shared on Friday evening.

Also Read: Kenya Airways Flight Diverted Back to Nairobi Mid-Air

Upon learning about the emergency, the airline’s crew notified its operations control center for direction. The crew then initiated emergency procedures with the help of three medical professionals who volunteered. 

The flight was later diverted to the Entebbe International Airport in Uganda as the crew sought urgent medical attention for the patient who had collapsed.  

Kenya Airways crew attempts to save passenger

Upon landing, medics deployed resuscitation efforts to save the passenger’s life. Their efforts, however, proved futile as the passenger- whose identity was not disclosed- was pronounced dead. 

“Despite sustained resuscitation efforts, the passenger was pronounced deceased by the attending medical professionals at 0910 hours East Africa Time (EAT), prior to landing,” added KQ.

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The aircraft then resumed its journey to the intended destination in Nairobi and landed at 1027 hours. KQ assured that it would coordinate with the family of the deceased and government authorities to provide necessary support. 

By the time of publishing this article, Kenya Airways was yet to make public the cause of the passenger’s death.

“Kenya Airways is coordinating closely with the family of the deceased, local authorities, and aviation regulators to provide necessary support and determine the cause of death in line with applicable clinical protocols,” assured KQ.

“The airline extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic event. Privacy and dignity for all involved remain our utmost priority.”

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