Did a Corpse Board EasyJet Flight from Málaga to Gatwick?

A recent EasyJet service became a scene of macabre drama. The flight was traveling from Málaga Airport to London Gatwick. Passengers claimed an elderly woman was already deceased upon boarding. This EasyJet passenger death incident sparked international scrutiny. It raises serious questions about airlines medical checks at the gate.

The Málaga-Gatwick Incident

The controversy centers on an 89-year-old British woman. She was traveling with five family members. Witnesses claim the woman was non-responsive. They allege she looked "completely dead" when wheeled aboard. The flight was the EZY8070 Málaga Gatwick flight. The service was delayed by nearly 12 hours.

Viral Claims and Witness Accounts

Passenger accounts quickly went viral on social media. One passenger questioned why ground staff allowed the woman to board. Other witnesses reported the family's alleged deception. They reportedly told ground staff the woman was "just tired." One passenger claimed a relative said, "It's OK, we're doctors." The family allegedly tried to make the woman appear alive. They were seen trying to give her a drink. The aircraft began taxiing toward the runway. Cabin crew then realized the passenger had passed away. The plane returned to the terminal. Spanish Civil Guard officers were called to the scene. The woman was pronounced dead on the aircraft.

EasyJet's Defense and Regulatory Context

EasyJet has strongly denied the alleged corpse smuggling. A spokesperson confirmed the passenger had a valid Fit to Fly certificate. The airline maintains the woman was alive during boarding. Her condition reportedly deteriorated during the taxi-out phase. The airline expressed condolences to the family. They thanked other passengers for their understanding. The incident highlights a critical operational challenge. EasyJet operational procedures rely on documentation. They must also rely on the crew's judgment.

The 'Fit to Fly' Standard

A 'Fit to Fly' certificate is typically required. This is for passengers with serious medical conditions. The certificate confirms a doctor deems them safe for air travel. This process is crucial for airlines medical checks. It helps mitigate in-flight medical emergencies. However, the certificate's validity is now under review. Authorities must determine the exact time of death. If the woman was deceased before boarding, the certificate is irrelevant. This would suggest a major breach of EasyJet operational procedures.

Broader Aviation and Legal Implications

The incident has sparked aviation regulatory scrutiny. It raises questions about international law. Transporting human remains across borders is highly regulated. The process is separate from standard passenger travel. It requires specialized procedures and documentation.

• IATA guidelines (AHM 333) govern human remains transport.
• Remains must be shipped as cargo in sealed containers.
• A special laissez-passer for a corpse is required.

If the family knowingly boarded a deceased person, they could face legal action. This would involve International border transport laws. The alleged deception was likely to avoid high repatriation costs. Repatriation of a body can cost thousands of dollars. The case forces a look at airport security and gate checks. Airport staff are not medical professionals. They must rely on documentation and visual assessment. This is a difficult task under time pressure. The drama shows the need for clarity. Clearer policies are needed for visibly unwell passengers. This is a key issue in commercial aviation news. flying.flights

The Spanish Civil Guard is investigating the matter. They will determine when the 89-year-old passed away. The outcome will affect future EasyJet operational procedures. It will also impact how all airlines handle medical cases. The aviation industry is watching closely.