Kenya Airways has confirmed the death of a passenger on board flight KQ 003, which was en route from New York’s JFK Airport to Nairobi on Friday, April 11, 2025. The airline says the elderly passenger experienced a medical emergency mid-flight and could not be revived despite extensive resuscitation efforts.
According to an official incident report from the national carrier, the situation unfolded at around 8:40 a.m. Nairobi time when the crew alerted the Kenya Airways Operations Control Centre that the passenger had collapsed. In line with international aviation medical protocols, the crew, along with three medical professionals who volunteered their services onboard, began administering emergency medical care using the aircraft’s medical equipment.
The flight was diverted to Entebbe International Airport (EBB) in Uganda to expedite access to emergency medical services. However, the passenger was pronounced dead at 9:10 a.m. East Africa Time (EAT), before the aircraft could land.
Kenya Airways stated that the aircraft proceeded to its original destination—Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)—after the medical professionals confirmed the fatality. The flight touched down in Nairobi at 10:27 a.m. and was received by the airline’s medical team, airport security, and government authorities in accordance with standard international protocols.
“Kenya Airways is 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,” the airline said in a statement.
The airline expressed its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and emphasized its commitment to ensuring the dignity and privacy of those affected.
This tragic incident underscores the importance of onboard emergency preparedness and the role of crew and volunteer medical professionals in managing in-flight health crises. Kenya Airways has reiterated that all relevant procedures were followed to ensure passenger safety and compliance with international aviation standards.
