A passenger has died on a Kenya Airways flight from New York’s John F Kennedy international airport to Nairobi after experiencing a medical emergency, the airline said on Friday, April 11.
“Kenya Airways PLC (“KQ”) regrets to confirm the passing on of a passenger on flight KQ 003 operating from New York (JFK) to Nairobi (NBO) on Friday, April 11, 2025. Earlier on, the elderly passenger experienced a medical emergency,” the carrier said in a statement.
“At 08:40 hours Nairobi time , the crew notified the Kenya Airways Operations Control Centre that the passenger had collapsed. In accordance with international aviation medical protocols, the crew, supported by three qualified medical professionals who volunteered on board, immediately initiated emergency procedures, including the use of onboard medical equipment,” it added.
Kenya Airways said the flight was diverted to Entebbe International Airport in Uganda to expedite urgent medical care.
“Regrettably, despite sustained resuscitation efforts, the passenger was pronounced deceased by the attending medical professionals at 09:10 hours East Africa Time (EAT) prior to landing,” it added.
“Following confirmation of the fatality and in alignment with international aviation safety and operational guidelines, the flight crew resumed the journey to the scheduled destination, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)”.
The flight arrived in Nairobi at 10:27 local time and “was met by Kenya Airways’ contracted medical team, airport security and relevant government authorities to manage the situation in accordance with established protocols”, the airline said.
It added tbat it was “coordinating closely with the family of the deceased, local authorities and aviation regulators to provide necessary support and determine the cause of death in line with applicable clinical protocols”.
Kenya Airways extended its sympathies to the family and loved ones affected by the tragic event and said the “privacy and dignity for all involved remain our utmost priority”.
Turbulence-related airline accidents are the most common type, according to the US National Transportation Safety Board.
