Overview

• The overnight service from London Heathrow to Abuja diverted to Barcelona roughly two-and-a-half hours after departure when an elderly passenger became gravely ill and died onboard.
• Nigerian media reported the deceased was a retired Nigerian Air Vice Marshal in his 80s who had been in the UK for cancer treatment.
• British Airways regional commercial manager for Nigeria and Ghana, Mrs Tutu Otuyalo, confirmed the incident and said the passenger was terminally ill.
• Local reports said the disruption coincided with a medical episode involving a pregnant passenger, and her condition has not been publicly disclosed.
• British Airways apologized, arranged a replacement service that arrived in Abuja at about 5:45pm, and told passengers to expect further details by email with support available via Live Chat.