British Airways Passengers Flew Over 13 Hours With Body of Deceased Woman On Board
On a British Airways flight from Hong Kong to London, a passenger died shortly after takeoff, but the plane continued its journey to its destination. As a result, passengers spent about 13 hours in the air, knowing that the body of the deceased was on board, reports The Sun.
The woman, aged around 60, died an hour after takeoff from Hong Kong. However, British Airways pilots decided to continue the flight instead of returning.
By the time the Airbus A 350-1000 was approaching landing, complaints about an odor had emerged.
"Clearly, the woman's family was distraught, as was the crew. Many wanted to return to Hong Kong. But, frankly speaking, if a passenger has already died, it is not considered an emergency," a source told the publication.
They pondered what to do with the body — it was wrapped and moved to the galley at the rear of the plane.
Police met the Sunday flight BA32 and asked passengers to remain in their seats for another 45 minutes while investigative procedures were carried out.
All crew members were offered support by management, and according to The Sun, some did not return to work due to psychological trauma.
According to the source, there is no single protocol for handling a deceased passenger during a flight.
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