A male passenger has died aboard a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Lagos after reportedly becoming aggressive and attempting to open the aircraft’s rear door while the plane was in the air.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, as the aircraft was travelling to Lagos.
Videos reportedly recorded by Nigerian passengers on board showed the man being restrained by other passengers after he allegedly made repeated attempts to gain access to the aircraft door.
According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the passenger also allegedly attempted to gain access to the cockpit before later trying to open the rear door.
NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the man was eventually restrained, with his hands tied behind him to prevent further disruption and ensure the safety of other passengers.
The passenger was reportedly found unresponsive about 20 minutes before the aircraft landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Kenya Airways confirmed that the crew administered first aid and followed emergency procedures after the passenger became unresponsive.
The aircraft landed in Lagos at about 9:41pm, where medical personnel boarded the plane and subsequently confirmed that the passenger had died.
The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation. The NCAA said the police have taken over the matter, while the passenger’s identity and the specific medical condition that may have led to his death have not been publicly disclosed.
The development reportedly caused panic among other passengers, with videos from inside the aircraft showing the tense moments as some passengers struggled to restrain the man.
One passenger reportedly claimed that the deceased had behaved aggressively even before boarding the aircraft and questioned how he was allowed to travel.
Kenya Airways has expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and said it is providing necessary support while working with the family, authorities and aviation regulators.
