Lagos-bound passenger dies after allegedly trying to open aircraft door mid-flight

A passenger has died aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Lagos after reportedly becoming aggressive and attempting to open an aircraft door during the flight.

According to PUNCH, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson Michael Achimugu said the passenger allegedly tried to enter the cockpit before attempting to open the aircraft’s rear door.

“When he got into the aircraft, he became restless and aggressive inside the aircraft, wanted to enter the cockpit and later wanted to open the rear door, but was later tied down.

“His hands were tied to his back to ensure that he stopped the troubles,” Achimugu said.

Kenya Airways said the passenger was found unresponsive at about 9:20 p.m. on Tuesday, approximately 20 minutes before landing in Lagos.

“One of our passengers was found to be unresponsive approximately 20 minutes before landing in Lagos,” the airline said.

Crew members administered first aid and followed emergency procedures. The aircraft landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 9:41 p.m., where medical personnel confirmed the passenger had died.

The passenger had reportedly been denied entry into Madagascar and was being returned by the airline.

Nigerian police have taken over investigations into the death, while Achimugu said the deceased’s family may request an autopsy. The cause of death has not yet been established.

It is not the first such incident for the carrier — in April 2025, an elderly passenger died aboard a Kenya Airways flight from New York to Nairobi after a similar in-flight medical emergency.