A passenger on a Kenya Airways flight from Nairobi to Lagos died after becoming disruptive mid-flight and attempting to open an emergency door while the aircraft was still airborne.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, 6 October 2026. The man, who was being returned to Nigeria after being denied entry in Madagascar, grew restless and aggressive during the journey. He reportedly tried to force his way into the cockpit and later moved toward the rear emergency door in an attempt to open it. Passengers and crew quickly restrained him, tying his hands behind his back to stop the disturbance.
Around 9:20 pm Nigerian time, roughly 20 minutes before landing, the passenger was found unresponsive. Cabin crew administered first aid as the plane continued its approach. The aircraft touched down at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos at 9:41 pm, where medical personnel confirmed he had died.
Kenya Airways has issued an official statement confirming the medical emergency and the death. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has also acknowledged the disruptive behaviour, and the police have taken over the investigation. The exact cause of death has not yet been released.
New Video footage shows the chaotic moments inside the cabin as the passenger was restrained and the subsequent distress among those on board.
