Categories: Crimes

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.

Judge shot dead in Albania courtroom

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

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

‘Be ready to serve in any capacity’: Tinubu swears in Darma as housing minister

President Bola Tinubu on Friday administered the oath of office to Dr Muttaqha Darma as…

13 minutes ago

FG, FirstBank, unveil low-interest mortgage scheme to boost home ownership

FirstBank has partnered with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) to introduce a new mortgage…

25 minutes ago

Oyedele sets economic agenda, prioritises investment

Nigeria’s new Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, has unveiled…

2 hours ago

NNPCL denies selling refinery equipment

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has dismissed reports suggesting it is selling refinery…

2 hours ago

Oyo confirms Lassa fever outbreak, records one death

The Oyo State Government has confirmed five cases of Lassa fever, including one fatality, as…

2 hours ago

EFCC detains Ex-Skye Bank Chairman Tunde Ayeni over N36.5bn, $30m fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the former chairman of the now-defunct…

3 hours ago

This website uses cookies.