A British Airways flight en route from London to Abuja was forced to make an emergency diversion to Barcelona, Spain, in the early hours of Monday, October 6, following the death of a retired Nigerian Air Vice Marshall onboard.

The aircraft had departed Heathrow Airport at 11:00 pm on October 5 and was due to arrive at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by 5:00 am on Monday. However, at approximately 1:30 am, the pilot declared a medical emergency and rerouted the flight to El Prat Airport.

Sources confirmed to reporters that the deceased, believed to be in his early 80s, was one of the few surviving retired air vice marshals from Anambra State.

He had reportedly been unwell and was travelling back to Nigeria for further medical treatment when he passed away mid-flight.

The incident reportedly caused distress among passengers, with confusion onboard triggering a second medical emergency involving a pregnant woman. Her condition remained unconfirmed at the time of filing this report.

British Airways has since issued a statement acknowledging the disruption, offering its apologies, and offering support to those who had been affected. The airline confirmed that a replacement aircraft would resume the journey to Abuja.

Initially scheduled to depart Barcelona at 2:00 p.m. local time and arrive in Abuja at 7:00 p.m., the flight was later rescheduled to depart at 2:50 p.m., with arrival expected around 5:45 p.m. Nigerian time.

British Airways (BA) is the United Kingdom’s flag carrier and one of the world’s leading international airlines. Headquartered in London, it operates from its main hub at Heathrow Airport, offering flights to over 170 destinations across more than 70 countries.

Renowned for its long-haul services, BA maintains a strong presence in Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. The airline is a founding member of the Oneworld alliance, which enhances global connectivity through partner networks. BA offers a range of cabin classes, from economy to first, catering to diverse needs.

Despite occasional disruptions, the airline has upheld its reputation as a reliable choice for international travel, with a legacy dating back to its formation in 1974.