easyJet Passenger Death Sparks Controversy Over 'Fit to Fly' Certificate

A scheduled easyJet flight from Malaga, Spain, to London Gatwick was delayed significantly after an elderly passenger died onboard. The 89-year-old woman was traveling on flight EZY8070 on December 18. She was pronounced dead on the Airbus A319 aircraft just before take-off. This tragic easyJet passenger death led to an 11-hour 15-minute delay.

Incident Details and Passenger Claims

The flight was preparing for departure when the cabin crew noticed the customer required urgent medical help. The plane returned to the gate at Malaga Airport, and emergency services were called. The Civil Guard later confirmed the woman's death.

Several fellow passengers shared their concerns on social media. They claimed the woman appeared deceased or unconscious while boarding the aircraft in a wheelchair. One witness, Petra Boddington, stated, "Anybody with eyes could see that she was not fit to fly." Other reports indicated the family was talking to her as if she were alive during boarding. This created a major controversy among travelers.

Airline Response and Medical Clearance

easyJet strongly defended its airline medical procedures. The airline confirmed the customer had a valid fit to fly certificate. She was also traveling in the care of two medical professionals. The airline maintains the customer required assistance only after boarding the flight. They stated their thoughts were with the family and friends. The airline emphasized that passenger wellbeing priority is always their highest concern.

Aviation entities like easyJet require a medical certificate for various conditions. These include recent heart attacks, strokes, or severe asthma. The certificate confirms the passenger is medically cleared for air travel. This incident highlights the challenge of pre-flight medical assessment. Ground staff must balance customer service with safety regulations.

Industry Impact and Regulatory Context

This Airbus A319 medical emergency resulted in a significant flight delay 11 hours. Such events impact airline schedules and passenger trust. The case raises questions about the validity and enforcement of the fit to fly certificate process. European regulations, such as those from EASA, primarily govern aircrew fitness. However, airlines must comply with their own published medical policies. The incident is a reminder of the operational and reputational risks associated with medical emergencies. It is a key topic in current commercial aviation news. The reported cause of death was cardiac arrest.

• The 89-year-old passenger died on flight EZY8070 from Malaga to London Gatwick on December 18.
• easyJet confirmed the passenger had a 'fit to fly' certificate and medical support.
• Passenger claims that the woman appeared deceased before boarding caused controversy.
• The incident led to an 11-hour delay for the Airbus A319 flight.