An easyJet flight bound for London Gatwick was thrown into chaos and delayed for nearly half a day after fellow passengers alleged a family had wheeled a deceased elderly woman onto the aircraft.
Shocking Allegations at Malaga Airport
The incident unfolded on flight EZY8070 from Malaga to London Gatwick, scheduled to depart at 11.15am on Thursday 18th December 2025. According to multiple passenger accounts, an 89-year-old British woman was assisted onto the plane by five family members in a wheelchair. Witnesses state she appeared slumped and unconscious during the boarding process.
Petra Boddington, a passenger on the flight, expressed her disbelief publicly. "To the naked eye she looked like she was already dead," she said. "Why would she be allowed on to the flight and then disrupt everyone's plans... purely to save the family repatriation?"
Other travellers reported that gate staff had questioned the woman's condition several times. The family allegedly reassured easyJet personnel that their relative was 'just tired' and had dozed off, with one member of the group even claiming they were doctors.
Aircraft Turned Back Before Takeoff
After the woman was lifted into her seat at the rear of the aircraft and the plane began taxiing, events took a grim turn. Suspicious cabin crew are said to have discovered the passenger had passed away. The aircraft came to an abrupt halt just before take-off and returned to the stand.
The Malaga Civil Guard confirmed officers were summoned to the aircraft, where the elderly British passenger was pronounced dead. The subsequent investigation and removal of the body led to an extensive delay for all onboard.
Tracy-Ann Kitching, another passenger, posted on social media: "easyJet - you are unbelievable! Why did you let a dead person on our flight?" She did, however, praise the co-pilot for his handling of the situation, noting he was "professional and personable" in answering passenger questions.
Aftermath and Airline Response
The Gatwick-bound service, originally due to land at 1.10pm, eventually departed Malaga at 10.47pm local time, arriving in London around midnight—a delay of approximately 12 hours. Passengers were provided with food and beverage vouchers, though some felt this was inadequate compensation for the traumatic and lengthy ordeal.
In a statement, an easyJet spokesperson said: "Flight EZY8070 from Malaga to London Gatwick returned to stand prior to departure due to a customer onboard requiring urgent medical assistance. The flight was met by emergency services however the customer sadly passed away."
The airline emphasised that the passenger had a valid fit-to-fly certificate and was alive when she boarded. They added: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the customer, and we are offering support and assistance at this difficult time."
The fate of the woman's remains and whether any action was taken against her family members remains unclear, though it is understood no arrests were made. The incident has raised serious questions about airline boarding procedures and passenger welfare checks.
