British Airways is facing scrutiny after a woman in her late 60s died shortly after departure on a long-haul flight from Hong Kong to London on March 15. Her body was reportedly stored in a rear galley for the remainder of the journey. By the end of the flight, passengers and crew described a foul smell spreading through the cabin. The 13.5-hour flight to London Heathrow carried 331 passengers.
The incident occurred about 30 minutes after takeoff on flight BA32. The captain decided not to divert, despite calls from some passengers and crew to return to Hong Kong. The decision was explained on the basis that a confirmed death is not typically classified as an emergency requiring diversion when medical intervention is no longer possible. Airline and aviation guidance cited in reports says the death of a passenger does not always necessitate an emergency landing. Crews are expected to follow protocols while prioritizing the safety and comfort of other passengers.
Standard guidance
The body was wrapped and moved to a galley area at the back of the jet. A request to lock the body in a toilet was rejected, as lavatories are considered unsuitable for storage due to hygiene and safety reasons. Standard guidance indicates that when a passenger is presumed dead their eyes should be closed. If no body bag is available, the body should be covered with a blanket up to the neck and positioned away from other passengers if possible.
By the end of the journey, passengers and flight attendants reported a pungent, foul smell spreading from the rear galley. Several accounts described an increasingly noticeable odor in the cabin, which some attributed to the heated floor in the galley.
45 minutes in the plane after landing
Upon landing at Heathrow, police boarded the aircraft and instructed all 331 passengers to remain seated for approximately 45 minutes while officers carried out an onboard investigation into the death, according to the Mirror. Passengers were then released to immigration and baggage claim.
British Airways expressed condolences and said procedures were followed. “A passenger sadly passed away, and we extend our deepest condolences to the family. All procedures were carried out appropriately according to regulations,” the airline stated. It added that it is providing support to crew members, some of whom are experiencing psychological trauma, according to Simple Flying.