easyJet flight delayed 12 hours after passenger death aboard aircraft

December 20, 2025 at 01:59 PM•2 min read

An easyJet flight from Malaga to London Gatwick was delayed 12 hours after a passenger died onboard, leading to allegations she was deceased upon boarding.

Key Points

1easyJet flight EZY8070 from Malaga to London Gatwick suffered a nearly 12-hour delay after an elderly British passenger died onboard prior to takeoff.
2Passengers alleged the 89-year-old woman was visibly deceased or severely unwell when boarded by relatives, who reportedly misled staff about her condition.
3easyJet confirmed the woman possessed a fit-to-fly certificate but required urgent medical assistance shortly after boarding, leading to the return to stand.
4The incident prompted intervention by the Malaga Civil Guard, and travelers received vouchers as compensation for the extensive disruption.

easyJet flight EZY8070, scheduled from Malaga, Spain, to London Gatwick, experienced a nearly 12-hour delay after an elderly British passenger died just prior to takeoff. The aircraft returned to the stand after cabin crew were alerted to the death of the 89-year-old woman. easyJet confirmed that the flight was met by emergency services and expressed condolences, noting that the customer sadly passed away after requiring urgent medical assistance. The airline insists the woman possessed a valid fit-to-fly certificate and was alive when she boarded.

The incident sparked significant controversy among fellow travelers, many of whom alleged the woman was visibly deceased or severely incapacitated when she was assisted onto the plane by five relatives. Passengers reported seeing the woman slumped unconscious in a wheelchair and claimed the family assured ground staff she was "merely tired," with one witness claiming the relatives stated they were "doctors." Passengers questioned why ground staff allowed the woman to board despite her apparent ill health, suggesting the action was taken to avoid costly repatriation procedures.

Following the confirmation of death by medical personnel, the Malaga Civil Guard intervened. While the fate of the family members remains unclear, no arrests were reported. Passengers, who were due to depart at 11:15 am and eventually left near 11:00 pm local time, expressed outrage over the extensive disruption. Although refreshment vouchers were provided, many felt the compensation was insufficient given the severity and duration of the 12-hour hold-up.