Mid-Flight Scare as Passenger Tries to Force Open Plane Door

Hillary Michael · Exclusive · Oct 13, 2026

A Lagos-bound Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi ended in tragedy after a passenger reportedly became restless during the journey, allegedly attempted to gain access to the cockpit and later became unresponsive before the aircraft landed.

The passenger, whose identity has not been disclosed, died shortly after the aircraft arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Tuesday night.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said the police have taken over the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the passenger’s death. Kenya Airways, in a statement on Wednesday, said the medical emergency occurred at about 9:20pm, roughly 20 minutes before the aircraft was scheduled to land.

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

According to the airline, its crew immediately responded by administering first aid and following established emergency procedures.

The aircraft landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 9:41pm, where medical personnel boarded the plane and examined the passenger.

“Upon landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 21:41 hrs, the aircraft was met by medical personnel, and upon further examination, the medical personnel confirmed that the passenger had passed away,” Kenya Airways said.

However, the NCAA provided additional details about events leading up to the medical emergency.

Its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said the airline’s country manager briefed him on the incident on Wednesday morning and confirmed that the police had commenced an investigation.

Achimugu said the passenger had reportedly been picked up in Madagascar after customs authorities refused him entry and that Kenya Airways, having transported him there, was expected to return him.

“The country manager said he was picked from Madagascar, after customs had earlier denied him entry into the country, and as expected, the airline that brought him into the country must take him back,” he said.

According to Achimugu, the passenger allegedly became restless and aggressive during the return flight and attempted to gain access to the cockpit before subsequently trying to open the aircraft’s rear door.

He said the crew restrained the passenger by tying his hands behind his back in an effort to prevent further disruption and protect other passengers and crew.

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

The NCAA official said the passenger later became unresponsive and was declared dead after the aircraft landed in Lagos.

“But when he got to Nigeria, he was declared dead on arrival. I don’t want to preempt the police investigation, but they have taken it over for now,” Achimugu said.

He added that the deceased’s family could request an autopsy as the investigation progresses.

The police also confirmed the incident.

A spokesperson for the Airport Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Muhammed Adeola, said investigations had commenced and that the passenger’s body had been deposited at a morgue in Ikeja.

“Yes, it’s true, and investigations have commenced. It’s an issue of an inadmissible passenger, and the said complications arose on their way back,” Adeola said.

He added that the passenger was unable to breathe during the flight and that medical personnel were alerted before the aircraft landed.

“However, upon landing, he was confirmed to have died. His body is at a morgue in Ikeja for further investigation,” he said.

The police have also taken statements from members of the flight crew, including the aircraft’s captain, as investigators work to establish exactly what happened aboard the flight and what led to the passenger’s death.

Meanwhile, Kenya Airways expressed condolences to the passenger’s family and friends, saying it was cooperating with the family, authorities and aviation regulators.

“We convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and apologise for any inconvenience this incident may have caused,” the airline said.

The carrier added that it was respecting the privacy and dignity of those involved while providing support to the deceased’s family.