BREAKING: Retired Air Vice Marshal Dies aboard British Airways Flight To Abuja

A British Airways flight from London to Abuja was forced to make an emergency diversion to Barcelona, Spain, after a retired Nigerian Air Vice Marshal from Anambra State reportedly died mid-flight in the early hours of Monday.

The flight, which left Heathrow Airport at about 11:00 p.m. (UK time) on Sunday, October 5, was due to arrive at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, around 5:00 a.m. Nigerian time.

However, about two and a half hours into the journey, the pilot declared a medical emergency following the passenger’s sudden death and diverted the aircraft to El Prat Airport, Barcelona, for emergency response.

Sources revealed that the deceased, said to be in his early 80s, had been ill and was returning home for further medical care when he passed away onboard.

“He was one of the few surviving retired air vice marshals from Anambra State. He had been unwell for a while and was flying back to Nigeria for treatment,” a source familiar with the incident said.

His death reportedly caused panic among passengers, some of whom initially thought it was a routine medical situation until the flight crew announced a diversion.

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The midair tragedy reportedly triggered a second medical emergency involving a pregnant woman, who fainted amid the confusion.

Her condition remained unclear as of press time, though fellow passengers said cabin crew members and medical responders in Barcelona provided assistance upon landing.

Confirming the diversion, British Airways expressed regret over the incident and apologised for the disruption.

In a message to passengers, the airline said: “Passengers are advised to expect an email with more information and can reach out via our Live Chat feature for support. British Airways acknowledges the inconvenience and thanks passengers for their patience and understanding.”

The airline also announced that a replacement aircraft had been dispatched to continue the journey to Abuja.

Initially rescheduled to leave Barcelona at 2:00 p.m. local time and arrive in Abuja around 7:00 p.m., the new departure time was later adjusted to 2:50 p.m., with arrival now expected around 5:45 p.m. Nigerian time.

Some passengers described the experience as “deeply unsettling,” noting how the cabin’s atmosphere shifted from calm to tense once the medical emergency was announced.

“It was quiet at first, but you could sense something was wrong when the flight attendants began rushing to one of the seats with oxygen tanks,” one traveller told Daily Trust Monday, October 6, 2025.

Another added, “After the announcement that we were diverting to Barcelona, people started praying. It was frightening, especially when another woman collapsed.”

The deceased’s body was reportedly handed over to Spanish authorities upon landing, with arrangements underway for repatriation to Nigeria.

As of press time, neither British Airways nor Nigerian aviation authorities had issued a detailed statement on the incident.

The tragic development has sparked renewed calls from travel and health experts for stricter in-flight medical screening for elderly and ailing passengers, particularly on long-haul routes.