Kamsiyochukwu Mbamalu
A British Airways flight from London to Abuja was diverted to Barcelona’s El Prat Airport after a medical emergency onboard resulted in the death of a retired Nigerian Air Vice Marshal from Anambra State.
The flight, which departed London’s Heathrow Airport at 11 pm on Sunday, October 5, was scheduled to land in Abuja at 5 am on Monday but made an unexpected detour to Barcelona after the incident.
Prime Business Africa on Monday morning gathered that the BA pilot had announced the medical emergency midflight at 1.30 am and that the ensuing confusion also triggered another medical emergency involving an unnamed pregnant woman, the outcome of which our correspondent could not verify as of time of reporting this.
Although the airline could not be reached for comments at the time of filing this report, further investigation by Prime Business Africa revealed that the victim, the late AVM, was in his early 80’s and was a citizen of Anambra State, Southeast Nigeria.
This newspaper reports that currently there are only two surviving retired air vice marshals from Anambra State, Nigeria. One of them, AVM Osita Obierika, rtd), is urrently known in Nigeria’s aviation circles as a vocal analyst and public commentator, and Prime Business Africa gathered that he had been receiving treatment for cancer in the United Kingdom.
Our correspondent, however, gathered that the terminally ill retired AVM was being transported back to Abuja for further medication before his sudden demise.
Www.primebusiness.africa reports that British Airways has already apologised to traumatised passengers even as efforts are ongoing to ensure that a new aircraft departs the Barcelona airport at 2pm today. They are expected to land in Abuja at 7pm local time.
According to messages shared with the passengers, the airline apologized for the disruption and assured passengers that the Customer Care team would be available to assist with any questions or concerns.
‘Passengers are advised to expect an email with more information and can reach out to the airline’s Live Chat feature for support. British Airways acknowledges the inconvenience and thanks passengers for their patience and understanding,” the airline told the affected passengers in a general message.
Further update from the airline at about noon on Monday, however, moved the flight by some 45 minutes, saying: “We’d like to advise that the replacement aircraft for your flight to Abuja is now on its way. The estimated time of departure from Barcelona is 14:50 local time, with arrival into Abuja expected at approximately 17:45 local time. We understand the inconvenience caused and thank you for your patience. We look forward to welcoming you on board soon. British Airways”
Flight Details and Passengers’ Ordeal
The medical emergency occurred at 1:30 am, prompting the flight’s diversion.
A second medical emergency involving a pregnant woman was also reported, but her condition is currently unknown. Passengers were traumatized, and the flight crew couldn’t continue flying due to the distressing situation.
Airline’s Response and New Flight Arrangements Summary
British Airways apologized for the disruption and provided a replacement aircraft.
The new flight is scheduled to depart Barcelona at 2:50 pm local time, with an expected arrival time in Abuja of 5:45 pm local time.
Passengers can reach out to the airline’s Live Chat feature for support and expect an email with more information.
The airline has prioritized the passengers’ safety and well-being, acknowledging the inconvenience caused and thanking them for their patience and understanding.
