JUST IN: Retired Air Vice Marshal from Anambra Dies Mid-Flight on London–Abuja British Airways Flight

According to a report from the Daily Times, a British Airways flight from London to Abuja was forced to make an emergency diversion to Barcelona, Spain, in the early hours of Monday after a retired Nigerian Air Vice Marshal from Anambra State reportedly died onboard.

The flight, which departed London’s Heathrow Airport at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, was scheduled to land at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by 5:00 a.m. on Monday. However, around 1:30 a.m., the pilot declared a medical emergency and diverted to El Prat Airport in Barcelona.

Sources cited in the Daily Times report said the deceased, believed to be in his early 80s, had been unwell and was being flown back to Nigeria for medical treatment when he passed away mid-flight. He was one of the few surviving retired air vice marshals from Anambra State.

The incident reportedly caused distress among passengers, with confusion onboard leading to a second medical emergency involving a pregnant woman. Her condition was not immediately known at press time.

British Airways issued an apology to passengers following the incident, assuring them of support and further updates. “Passengers are advised to expect an email with more information and can reach out to the airline’s Live Chat feature for assistance. British Airways acknowledges the inconvenience and thanks passengers for their patience and understanding,” the airline stated.

The airline confirmed that a replacement aircraft would continue the journey to Abuja. The new flight, initially scheduled to depart Barcelona at 2:00 p.m. local time, was later rescheduled to 2:50 p.m., with arrival expected in Abuja at 5:45 p.m. Nigerian time.