Retired Air Vice Marshal dies on Abuja-bound British Airways flight

A British Airways flight from London to Abuja was forced to make an emergency landing in Barcelona, Spain, on Monday morning after a retired Nigerian Air Vice Marshal from Anambra State died onboard.

The flight, which departed Heathrow Airport at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, 2025, was scheduled to arrive at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja by 5:00 a.m.

However, the pilot declared a medical emergency, prompting an unscheduled diversion to Barcelona’s El Prat Airport at about 1:30 a.m.

According to reports, the deceased, an elderly man in his early 80s, had been unwell and was returning to Nigeria to seek medical treatment before passing away mid-flight.

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The incident reportedly caused distress among passengers, with one pregnant woman also suffering a medical episode shortly after the emergency was announced. Her condition remains unconfirmed.

British Airways apologised for the disruption, assuring passengers of assistance through email and the airline’s Live Chat support.

A replacement aircraft was later arranged to continue the journey, departing Barcelona at 2:50 p.m. local time and arriving in Abuja around 5:45 p.m. (Nigerian time).

The retired officer was said to be among the few surviving Air Vice Marshals from Anambra State before his passing.

The Star