Prof. Osita Obierika from Enugu-Ukwu Identified as British Airways Passenger Who Died Mid-Flight

Professor Osita Obierika, a retired Air Vice Marshal (AVM) of the Nigerian Air Force from Enugu-Ukwu, has been identified as the passenger who died onboard a British Airways flight from London to Abuja on Monday.

The flight was forced to make an emergency diversion to Barcelona, Spain, after the octogenarian suffered a fatal medical emergency mid-air. Obierika, a former Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Training Command in Kaduna and a directing staff at the National Defence College, Abuja, was returning to Nigeria from the United Kingdom, where he had been receiving treatment for cancer.

The flight departed London’s Heathrow Airport at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, and was scheduled to land at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by 5:00 a.m. Monday. Airline crew attempted to resuscitate him, but he was pronounced dead before the plane landed at El Prat Airport in Barcelona.

A source who confirmed his death said many senior officers had gathered at Abuja airport in anticipation of his arrival before news of his passing filtered through. Passengers onboard reportedly experienced distress, and confusion during the emergency led to additional medical attention being required for a pregnant passenger. Her condition is not yet confirmed.

British Airways apologised for the disruption and assured passengers of support. “Passengers are advised to expect an email with more information and can reach out to the airline’s Live Chat feature for support. British Airways acknowledges the inconvenience and thanks passengers for their patience and understanding,” the airline said.

A replacement aircraft was arranged to continue the journey to Abuja. Initially scheduled to depart Barcelona at 2:00 p.m. local time, the flight was later rescheduled to 2:50 p.m., with arrival expected at 5:45 p.m. Nigerian time.