MUNICH- A Lufthansa (LH) service operating from Munich (MUC) to Beijing (PEK) diverted to Almaty International Airport (ALA) after a passenger became critically unwell during the flight.
Medical responders boarded the aircraft on arrival, but the passenger was confirmed deceased despite immediate assistance.
Lufthansa Passenger Dies Mid-Air
The incident occurred on December 26, 2025 (Today), during Lufthansa flight LH722. A passenger lost consciousness mid-flight, prompting the crew to request an emergency landing at Almaty International Airport. Airport medical teams and city ambulance services were dispatched as the aircraft landed.
On arrival, medical personnel confirmed the death of the passenger. Authorities noted that the aircraft was refuelled after the diversion and later continued to Beijing. The flight reached Beijing over 2 hours later than its actual time of arrival. No further operational disruption was reported.
Flight crews are trained to respond swiftly to in-flight medical emergencies. In this case, the decision to divert ensured the fastest access to on-ground medical support. The Aviation Administration of Kazakhstan confirmed the event through its press service.
The flight LH722 was operated by a 6.5-year-old Airbus A350, registered as D-AIXO.
Similar Incident
An easyJet (U2) flight from Malaga Airport (AGP) to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) was delayed for several hours after an 89-year-old British passenger died shortly after boarding the aircraft.
The woman, who was traveling with family and held a valid fit-to-fly certificate, passed away before departure, leading to Spanish authorities boarding the aircraft and formally confirming her death.
Incident During Taxi To Depart
The passenger was assisted onto the aircraft in a wheelchair and seated toward the rear of the cabin, according to eyewitness accounts. Family members reportedly informed staff that she felt unwell but was only tired. As boarding finished and the aircraft began taxiing, cabin crew noticed growing concerns about her condition.
Before takeoff, the aircraft returned to the stand once it became clear that the passenger had died on board. Spanish Civil Guard officers responded, confirming they were called to a Gatwick-bound flight following reports of a deceased British woman.
The affected flight, EZY8070, was delayed for nearly 12 hours while authorities carried out formal procedures and the airline arranged onward operations.
Passenger Handling And Disruption
All travelers were instructed to disembark while official checks were completed. easyJet provided food and drink vouchers during the wait, although some passengers expressed concern about the length of the delay.
The aircraft eventually departed Malaga at 22:47 local time and landed at London Gatwick close to midnight.
easyJet confirmed that the aircraft returned to the stand because a customer required urgent medical assistance and stated that the passenger had sadly passed away. The airline highlighted that the wellbeing of passengers and crew remains its highest priority and said support was offered to those affected.
