A passenger has died aboard an easyJet flight en route to the popular Spanish holiday destination of Lanzarote, despite desperate efforts by cabin crew to save their life during a medical emergency on Tuesday.
The tragedy unfolded on flight EJU4775, which departed from Nantes Loire Atlantique Airport in western France at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time. The Airbus A320, registration OE-IZG, was approaching Lanzarote Airport when the passenger’s condition suddenly deteriorated, prompting immediate action from the flight crew.
According to airline officials, the captain issued a distress signal whilst cabin crew rushed to provide first aid using all available medical equipment on board. Despite their efforts, the passenger could not be revived and was pronounced dead before the aircraft touched down.
Our cabin crew provided first aid, and the flight was met by emergency services,” an easyJet spokesperson told GB News. “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the customer, and we are offering support and assistance at this difficult time.”
The captain performed what the airline described as a “routine landing in accordance with standard procedures” at Lanzarote Airport after requesting an expedited approach. Emergency medical teams were waiting on the tarmac when the aircraft arrived, though tragically their services were no longer required for the deceased passenger.
The incident caused significant disruption to the airline’s schedule, with the return flight to Nantes delayed by approximately eight hours. French media outlet Ouest-France reported the aircraft finally landed back at Nantes at around 11 p.m. local time, having been scheduled to arrive much earlier in the evening.
Passengers aboard the affected flight described a tense atmosphere as crew members worked to manage the unfolding emergency. The airline has not released details about the passenger’s identity or cause of death, citing privacy concerns for the family during this difficult period.
An easyJet spokesperson emphasised that their crews undergo rigorous medical training, stating: “Our crews are trained to respond to medical procedures and did everything possible during the flight. The wellbeing and safety of our passengers and crew is always easyJet’s highest priority.”
This marks the second fatal medical emergency on an easyJet flight this year. In March, a 67-year-old woman died aboard a service from Tenerife to Liverpool after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest. Fellow passengers, including a nurse and physiotherapist, performed CPR for nearly 50 minutes as the aircraft diverted to Santiago-Rosalía de Castro Airport in northern Spain.
The March incident particularly highlighted the challenges of in-flight medical emergencies. An eyewitness told the Liverpool Echo how the emergency unfolded at 35,000 feet, with passengers responding when staff requested medical assistance. “The staff got an oxygen tank and a defibrillator while myself, a nurse and a physiotherapist took it in turns to perform CPR on the woman,” the witness recounted.
Medical emergencies during commercial flights, whilst deeply distressing, remain statistically rare. According to research published in medical journals, the global incidence of in-flight medical emergencies is approximately 18.2 events per million passengers, with an all-cause mortality rate of just 0.21 per million passengers.
The most common medical problems encountered during flights include fainting or near-fainting episodes, which account for 37.4 per cent of cases, followed by respiratory symptoms at 12.1 per cent and gastrointestinal issues at 9.5 per cent. Death during flight remains exceptionally uncommon, with estimates ranging from one death per 1.5 to 4.7 billion passenger miles flown.
Airlines are required to carry specific medical equipment on board, including automated external defibrillators (AEDs), oxygen supplies, and comprehensive first aid kits. Cabin crew receive extensive training in emergency medical procedures, though the confined space and altitude present unique challenges for providing medical care.
The incident also raises questions about medical preparedness in aviation. A 2025 report from Travel And Tour World noted that whilst airlines have made significant strides in improving safety protocols and crew training, the unpredictable nature of medical emergencies continues to pose challenges for the industry.
Tuesday’s tragedy is not isolated to easyJet. Earlier this year, a passenger died aboard a Jet2 flight from Tenerife to Nottingham, forcing an emergency landing in mainland Spain. In February, a man believed to be in his seventies was pronounced dead after the aircraft touched down.
Aviation safety experts note that despite these incidents, commercial aviation remains one of the safest forms of transportation. The ability of crews to respond to medical emergencies has improved considerably over recent decades, with many lives saved through prompt intervention and access to onboard medical equipment.
For passengers considering air travel, experts recommend informing airlines of any serious medical conditions before flying and ensuring adequate travel insurance coverage. Those with known health issues should consult their doctors before undertaking air travel, particularly on longer journeys.
The Civil Aviation Authority continues to monitor medical incidents aboard aircraft, working with airlines to improve emergency response procedures and equipment standards. However, as Tuesday’s incident demonstrates, not all medical crises can be averted despite the best efforts of trained personnel.
As the airline industry processes another tragic loss of life, the focus remains on supporting the bereaved family whilst continuing to enhance medical preparedness for the millions who take to the skies each year.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
Image Credit:
EasyJet Airbus A320neo G-UZHE at CDG — photo by Eric Salard, CC BY-SA 2.0
