A tragic incident unfolded onboard a British Airways flight traveling from Hong Kong to London, where a woman passenger died shortly after takeoff. The flight, carrying 331 passengers, continued its journey for nearly 13 hours without diversion, with the deceased remaining onboard, sparking concern among fellow travelers.
According to reports, the 60-year-old woman passed away about an hour after the aircraft became airborne. The cabin crew initially proposed moving the body to the lavatory area with the consent of her family members, but the request was declined. Subsequently, the body was placed in the rear galley section of the aircraft.
Passengers alleged that after a few hours, an unpleasant odor began emanating from the body, reportedly due to the warmth in the galley area. The situation caused discomfort among those seated nearby during the long-haul journey, raising questions over onboard handling of such incidents.
After landing in London, passengers were instructed to remain seated for an additional 45 minutes to facilitate an investigation. The airline cited guidelines issued by the International Air Transport Association, which state that a death during a flight is not classified as an emergency requiring diversion. It added that standard protocol was followed by the crew in managing the situation.